It wasn’t an easy season for the Los Angeles Chargers last year. Despite the challenges, Justin Herbert and his teammates remain confident they can turn things around. That belief is especially strong in one of the QB’s offensive weapons, who admits he feels he still owes something since entering the NFL.
Quentin Johnston entered the league in 2023 out of TCU, after being selected by the Chargers with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the draft. Expectations were high for the wide receiver, but even Johnston himself has admitted that he didn’t live up to the moment in his rookie season.
In 2023, he totaled just 431 yards and two touchdowns over 17 games, and while his numbers saw a slight improvement in his second year under head coach Jim Harbaugh, he is still chasing redemption—starting in Week 1 of this new campaign.
“Still kind of going through some ups and downs, but I feel like for the most part, taking a step up from my first year. That’s what I’m really focused on, continuing just to build whether it’s the last game or the last year. Either way, just focus on going up and not going down,” he stated via the team’s website.
Quentin Johnston #1 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
He also spoke about his role within the team: “On the field, outside of the field, I’m always the outlet outside of the field, too. I always invite them to my house, we can just chill. I feel like a big thing is not just on the field stuff, but getting that connection off the field, getting to know the person more.”
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Chargers still believe in Johnston’s potential
Johnston’s first two seasons didn’t go as expected—not just in terms of stats, but also in overall performance. As a result, the Chargers’ front office didn’t waste any time, adding two new weapons for Justin Herbert in the latest NFL draft.
While it might seem like a sign of an offensive shake-up under Jim Harbaugh, the coaching staff—specifically wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal—has reassured that the former TCU standout will remain the starter.
“Only one expectation: that he keeps ascending,” Lal told reporters. “And I can’t put a ceiling on it. It is what it’s going to be. … He’s very much on the right track.”
He also added: “Water off the duck’s back. I haven’t seen anything. I told him he’s the starter. Because he is. And he’s operating that way.”
The Chargers’ early challenges in the upcoming season
- vs Kansas City Chiefs, September 5th
- @ Las Vegas Raiders, September 15th
- vs Denver Broncos, September 21st
- @ New York Giants, September 28th
- vs Washington Commanders, October 5th
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