INGLEWOOD, Calif. — It’s becoming clear who the buyers and sellers are as the calendar moves closer to the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 5. Jim Harbaugh Los Angeles Chargers I should go buy another wide receiver.
The Chargers (4-3) defeated the spiral New Orleans Saints (2-6), 26-8on Sunday. Los Angeles matched its highest point total of the season. Strategist Justin Herbert had his second consecutive game of 270+ passing yards and rookie receiver Ladd McConkey became the first Chargers pass catcher to eclipse 100 receiving yards in a single game this year. Two positive developments for a passing attack ranked 24th in the NFL entering Week 8.
“I think it’s all about finding our identity. To come into a game and play it like you should,” Herbert said after the game. “If we’re throwing the ball in droves, you’ve got to be smart with the ball, shoot the field and understand the situation. We think we have a great offensive line and a great running game, so it’s up to us to be able to put them together.
The Chargers went from Week 2 to Week 7 without scoring a touchdown in the second half. They finally broke through to pay dirt on Sunday.
McConkey had a highlight 60-yard touchdown reception In the third period, the Chargers’ second-round wide receiver iced the game with another impressive 9-yard touchdown run to the back of the end zone in the fourth quarter.
“We know what we can do when we click. We showed flare-ups of it. It’s about stacking plays, practices (and) games,” McConkey said. “We know what we can be. We just have to put it on tape and put it out there.
McConkey finished with a team-high six catches, 111 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Still, the Chargers rank in the bottom half of the league in passing offense and red zone efficiency. They finished 3 of 12 on third downs on Sunday. While Los Angeles has the NFL’s #1 defense and a top-10 total defense. The defensive unit kept New Orleans out of the end zone.
“Even in the moments where we didn’t come out on top, our defense played well. We have to score points at the end of the day,” said McConkey, who leads the Chargers this season with 30 catches and 376 receiving yards. “They hold people back and create turnovers. We just have to capitalize on that. These guys have been awesome all year.
Will the Chargers try to trade for a receiver?
Herbert and the Chargers’ passing attack are still finding their identity after Week 8. Granted, Sunday’s win was without wide receivers Quentin Johnston (ankle) and DJ Chark Jr. (groin), but they could use another weapon on offense if they hope to make a serious playoff push.
The New York Jets acquired Davante Adams, the Buffalo Bills traded for Amari Cooper and the Kansas City Chiefs got DeAndre Hopkins. Wide receiver is a sought-after position. Wide exits such as Carolina Panthers“Diontae Johnson and New York JetsMike Williams (a former Charger) is still rumored to be available. Will the Chargers go for wide receiver help?
Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz have a little more than a week to decide together on their first big midseason decision.
“I know he always supports us. He has our facade. He has both sides,” Harbaugh said of Hortiz. “I know he will always do whatever he can to help our team.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Chargers’ passing offense makes strides as NFL trade deadline approaches
