2021 Chargers offense: position-by-position breakdown

Brandon Staley became a first-time head coach this offseason because he thrived when it came to making life difficult for quarterbacks as a defensive coach.

Now as the Chargers’ coach, Staley has shared his defensive tricks with star quarterback Justin Herbert to help him turn the offense into a high-scoring machine.

Here’s a look at the Chargers’ offense heading into the 2021 regular season, which opens Sunday on the road against the Washington Football Team:

Quarterbacks: Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, Easton Stick

Expectations are sky-high for Herbert’s second season after he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year last year.

He’ll need to make adjustments against defenses that now have a year’s worth of game film on him.

But Herbert also has to adjust to his new coaching staff. Staley and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi want Herbert to push the tempo and take many downfield shots.

Last year, Herbert was at his best when he distributed the ball to at least seven playmakers. Expect Herbert to utilize the quick and intermediate throws before taking deep shots.

Herbert set the bar high for himself in 2020, but he struggled against defenses that disguised their coverages well. If Herbert is able to read disguises better, he could be poised for another dynamic season.

The Chargers decided to keep three quarterbacks on the roster in case any COVID-19-related obstacles occur. Daniel and Stick competed for the No. 2 quarterback spot during training camp.

Running backs: Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree III, Gabe Nabers (fullback)

Ekeler is expected to play the Alvin Kamara role in Lombardi’s offensive system, which will be similar to the New Orleans Saints’ offense.

Ekeler is coming off a disappointing 2020 season, when he missed six games because of a hamstring injury. Ekeler will likely return to the do-it-all role he played in 2019, when he was contributing in the passing and running games.

Jackson has a similar skill set as Ekeler, which is one reason why he won over the new coaching staff early in training camp. Jackson, however, is dealing with a groin injury and that could create opportunities for short-yardage running backs Kelley and Rountree.

The Chargers’ running game struggled with efficiency and in short-yardage situations last season. They’re counting on this year’s running back group to change that.

Wide receivers: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Josh Palmer, Jalen Guyton, KJ Hill

The Chargers surprised many by keeping only five wide receivers on the 53-man roster, but that shows how confident they are in the running backs and tight ends to contribute in the passing game.

Herbert has an abundance of playmakers and that starts with the tandem of Allen and Williams. Allen will likely be Herbert’s go-to target for intermediate throws and on third down.

When Williams is healthy, he’s one of the best jump-ball wideouts in the NFL. Palmer, the team’s third-round pick this year, has shown similar physical traits to Williams and has been a consistent playmaker during practices.

Guyton will fill the role of the speedy wide receiver for the second consecutive season. Hill will need to earn playing time, but he can do that by being a productive punt returner.

Tight ends: Jared Cook, Donald Parham Jr., Tre’ McKitty, Stephen Anderson

The Chargers will likely use several formations with at least two tight ends on the field. Cook and Parham were two of Herbert’s favorite targets during training camp.

Cook is the clear No. 1 tight end, but Parham isn’t far behind after making improvements as a route runner and blocker.

McKitty had a quiet training camp, and it’s going to take him time to develop into a consistent playmaker, but the Chargers are high on him, especially as a blocking tight end.

Anderson could have a dual role as the backup fullback to Nabers.

Offensive line: Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Oday Aboushi, Bryan Bulaga, Storm Norton, Brenden Jaimes, Scott Quessenberry, Trey Pipkins

The Chargers revamped the offensive line by adding four new starters with Slater, Feiler, Linsley and Aboushi.

Slater, the team’s 13th overall pick in this year’s draft, had an impressive training camp and held his own against star edge rusher Joey Bosa.

But one injury could quickly derail the Chargers’ offseason improvements on the offensive line. Bulaga has missed practices because of injuries and rest, and his backups – Norton and Pipkins – had rocky preseason performances.

Another option for the Chargers could be to shift Feiler from left guard to right tackle, but the coaching staff would prefer not to make two moves on the offensive line if Bulaga were to miss a game in the regular season.

The Chargers’ starting offensive line is intact for now, and they’ll be tested early by Washington’s ferocious front four.

Coming Wednesday: Analysis of the Chargers’ defense.