The decision to hire Jim Harbaugh as the new head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers paid immediate dividends for them last season. Making the playoffs for just the second time since Justin Herbert took over as the starting quarterback for the team, the results were undeniable.
However, one complaint remained throughout the season, and that was the reliance on the ground game by Harbaugh for the offense. This year has seen a major shift, with the ball in the quarterback’s hands more often than not. However, according to Herbert, a major reason for the success of the passing offense is the return of Keenan Allen.
Keenan Allen Unlocked Justin Herbert-led Offense
The difference in numbers has been immediate. Ranked 17th on PFSN’s Offense Impact in 2024, they’ve jumped ahead two spots, while Herbert’s numbers have taken a severe jump.
However, for the superstar quarterback, the success is reliant heavily on the veteran experience Allen has brought to the fold. After spending 11 years with the franchise, he was traded to the Chicago Bears before the 2024 season.
However, just one year later, LA brought him back into the mix. And the results have been immediate. Ranked 69th on PFSN’s WR Impact last year, he’s jumped all the way to 33rd in 2025. But, according to Herbert, Allen’s impact extends beyond his individual numbers.
Speaking to RG, Herbert couldn’t stop gushing about his teammate. “Keenan is awesome. He’s such a great leader, such a great teammate, and we definitely missed him for that year.” Additionally, the wisdom he’s imparted to the other wide receivers is invaluable.
“He’s great for those young receivers. He’s teaching them exactly how he sees the game. He’s got such a great understanding of defenses in general that no matter how someone plays him, he’s going to find a way to get open, and that makes my job so much easier.”
At 24, both Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston should be the building blocks of the Chargers’ offense for many years to come. With Allen’s expertise as a six-time Pro Bowler, he can guide them on the perfect track to be a lethal weapon for a long time in the NFL.
Individually, too, he’s been excellent. After a dip in production last season, when he tallied just 744 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games, he’s up to 539 yards and four touchdowns through 10 games this year.
Even as he’s fallen behind on the depth chart, the value he can bring on the sidelines and in the locker room has made him key to LA’s success, which has them in the thick of the playoff race once again.
