While almost every other team is trading players as we move into this NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers do not feel the need to be in the same boat. The Chargers hold a 5-3 record, which puts their playoff hopes on shaky ground as they trail just one spot behind the former Super Bowl champions in the AFC West. The Chargers’ choice to sit out this NFL trade deadline has set off a lot of buzz, especially with rumors swirling about a $750 million investment from a private equity billionaire Tom Gores. Fans were wondering if they’d take this chance to strengthen their roster. But it looks like head coach Jim Harbaugh is pretty confident in his guys.
During a recent conversation on The Herd, the Chargers’ HC said he doesn’t think his team needs any upgrades. ” I love the guys that are here. Love them.” Looks like he’s got a lot of faith in his team and the guys he’s got right now. He’s all about focusing on long-term growth instead of rushing into short-term trades or picking up new players.
On #Chargers not making a trade at the deadline, Jim Harbaugh said he and GM Joe Hortiz did not feel they “needed a player at any position group.”
“The proof’s in the pudding that we like our guys. We like the players on this team and the direction that this team is going.”
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) November 6, 2024
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Harbaugh’s all about building strength and trust with the guys already on the roster instead of shaking things up halfway through the season. Recently, their divisional foes, the Kansas City Chiefs, brought in Joshua Uche to beef up their defensive line. Analysts think adding a new wide receiver could have given the Chargers a boost. Trades between seasons have worked for some teams and can bring instant results. But that’s not the route Harbaugh wants to take. Under his leadership, the Chargers have had a pretty satisfactory season.
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Moving on, he also mentioned that if Joe Hortiz, the team’s general manager, feels they need to add someone to the roster, he’ll make it happen. This is Harbaugh’s first season with the Chargers. He played 14 seasons in the NFL, but his coaching career’s been just as impressive. He coached at Stanford, led the 49ers for four years, and then took over as the head coach at Michigan from 2015 to 2023.
Can the Chargers under Jim Harbaugh make it to the playoffs?
Some fans were frustrated by the decision not to add anyone at any position. They thought bringing in someone new would’ve given the team an immediate boost. And honestly, their frustration makes sense, especially with how inconsistent the team’s been over the years. But seems like trusting Coach Jim Harbaugh’s analysis is key. He’s pretty confident that the current squad has what it takes to perform well.
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What’s your perspective on:
Is Jim Harbaugh's faith in the Chargers' current roster a bold move or a playoff gamble?
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It’s pretty clear to see. QB Justin Herbert’s been playing great, mixing up deep and short passes while keeping the turnovers low. Honestly, it’s impressive. So far, in 8 games, he’s thrown 10 touchdowns. Running back J.K. Dobbins has made a solid comeback, putting up great numbers, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Safety Derwin James has been a steady force for the Chargers’ defense as well.
And that’s why, with Harbaugh at the helm, they’re looking like real playoff contenders, even with the Kansas City Chiefs dominating the division.
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Debate
Is Jim Harbaugh's faith in the Chargers' current roster a bold move or a playoff gamble?