As the new Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore’s primary job is to create the best possible environment for Justin Herbert to succeed. Fouls these days only go as far as their quarterback can take them, and in Herbert LA has one of the best; but for the past two years under previous coordinator Joe Lombardi, the unit has fallen short of expectations.
Injuries played a role in this, as did the set-up of the offense itself. But so was the almost total lack of a run game. The Chargers ranked 22nd last season in Football Outsiders’ rushing offense DVOA, and according to Tru Media, had the second-lowest share of their rushing attempts gained five yards or more, and the seventh-highest share of being stopped on or behind the line from scrimmage.
Moore is obviously in charge of improving the team in this area.
“There’s a lot of good stuff here, so we’ve definitely tried to embrace that as much as possible, to keep all the good that’s there and hopefully bring a few things in other areas that can help us, like right,” according to the Orange County Registry. “Statistically, the run game, you want to get a little bit more out of it. … Schematically, there’s always going to be little tweaks, little flavors, that might look different.”
It was not guaranteed in the off-season that Moore would have Austin Ekeler back in the squad to captain the game, but after Ekeler signed a reworked contract, that will indeed be the case. And Moore is excited about it.
“Really excited to get started with Austin,” he said. “I think he’s clearly been one of the best guys in this league. He’s had such an impact on this place. I’m really excited to build this thing together and build his role in this attack. I I’m really, really excited.”
Of course, the run game depends a lot on the offensive linemen’s play for the backs, and it looks like Moore has some of those guys on board with his plan on that front.
“For us, up front, he really simplified a lot of things,” said Rashawn Slater at a left tackle. “He’s allowed us to go much faster and think less, which we always love. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m thinking, like I said, about simplifying. You’d be surprised how much there is could change in the run-up.” game when certain rules are rearranged, only the coaching points change a little bit. I think that allows us to play very quickly and gives us the opportunity to play explosively. “