Chargers "Epic" Offense Being Built With the Help of New RB Gus Edwards

James Brizuela | Apr 12, 2024

Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) runs with the / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Chargers have gone through some significant changes in the offseason so far, and that is all by design because of new head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh expects his team to be led by physicality and toughness, which is a big reason why the team has brought in former Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards.

Edwards spoke to the media on April 8 at the Chargers training facility in Costa Mesa, California, revealing that one of the biggest reasons why he joined the team was because of the "incredible" coaching staff they have put together. Despite Harbaugh, the team has all but overhauled the coaching staff with notable additions like run game coordinator and tight ends coach Andy Bischoff and passing game coordinator Marcus Brady (more on them later).

Gus Edwards says Greg Roman wants a "downhill runner" and that is what he plans to be for the Chargers offense.

— James Brizuela (@james_brizuela) April 8, 2024

Joining the offense is also former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who has plenty of familiarity with Edwards. When speaking to media, Edwards revealed Roman values "downhill runners" and that is what he plans to be for the offense.

When asked if he has comparisons to former Chargers runner Ekeler, Edwards simply stated, "I'm not being asked to do what Ekeler has." The main thing is that Edwards is not much of a dual-threat catch-out-of-the-back type of runner. However, he is the type of three-down back that the team has been missing.

The Chargers need a strong running game if they plan to help out Justin Herbert. Herbert needs time to set his feet for the big throws and a pronounced run game can help that. Edwards knows his role in blocking will also benefit the run game, allowing Herbert to create some trickery of his own.

"I'm here to do whatever the coaches ask of me," Edwards said.

The offense was the subject of conversation from Edwards to run game coordinator and tight ends coach Andy Bischoff, who told media that Roman wants to build something "epic. "

“We’re trying to create something epic,” Bischoff said Monday. “This morning in our team meeting with the offense, (Roman) used the word epic in front of the guys and defined it. Why not create something different that’s never been done? As much success as we’ve all had in different places in doing different things, none of that matters. All that matters is right now and creating that here.”

What constitutes "epic" could be anyone's guess, but it might be a balanced offense that allows a stellar run game to set up big plays in the passing game and vice versa. Bischoff has a ton of faith in the team being able to block for Herbert as well, including an increase in production from the tight end position.

#Chargers run game coordinator/TE coach Andy Bischoff on TE Hayden Hurst, "He can be a top 6 guy."

— James Brizuela (@james_brizuela) April 8, 2024

The Chargers signed tight end Hayden Hurst from the Panthers, and Bischoff believes that Hurst can be one of the "top six guys." Some of the names he rattled off in the top six of the tight end position was George Kittle from the 49ers and Travis Kelce from the Chiefs.

Hurst will need to be worked into the offense far more if he is to reach a "top 6" type of level. He only secured 18 receptions for 132 yards and one touchdown last season.

Still, with someone as good as Justin Herbert at the helm, a lot of players could become Pro Bowl-caliber types if placed in the right positions.

Marcus Brady on the state of the #Chargers available receivers. "We have to fill the room."

— James Brizuela (@james_brizuela) April 8, 2024

The right positions have everything to do with also getting some new wide receivers in the room who can catch the would-be downfield passes from Herbert. New passing game coordinator Marcus Brady responded to questions about the receiver room stating, "We have to fill the room."

Brady understands that current receivers Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, and Derius Davis have upside, but more is needed. The good news is the Chargers have the #5 pick in the draft and are poised to land a potential day-one starter in LSU' s Malik Nabers or Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr.

Either way, the team will need some pass catchers that can help Herbert evolve his game. Brady was asked about what it was like to meet Herbert, and what he appreciates about his skillset.

"He's massive when you first see him. He's got the big arm, so he can stretch the field...he does well at all three phases of the game," Brady said.

Herbert is the focal point of the offense, and he will need an offensive attack that utilizes a strong run game to open up the possibility for deep balls. Brady preached the "balanced" offense that the team is heading for, and come September—we could be seeing a much different Chargers team.