Chargers News: OL Zion Johnson Aims for Sophomore Season Breakthrough

Change in the offense could be huge for Johnson

Coming out of Boston College, the Chargers 2022 first-round pick was expected to make an immediate impact during his rookie season. 

Now entering his second season, offensive guard Zion Johnson is expected to have a breakthrough second season in a new offense.  

The potential of Johnson having a breakout season is so large, that Bleacher Report ranked him as the third most likely player who will make a big leap in his second year.

The reason for this all leads back to the change of offensive coordinator. 

Johnson was known to be a dominating run-blocking lineman coming out of college. Unfortunately for him, the Chargers were one of the most pass-heavy offenses in the league last year. 

This season with Kellen Moore leading the offense from the sidelines, the Chargers are expected to incorporate its running game a little bit more. 

According to Daniel Popper from The Athletic, the Chargers have based its offense more around its line personnel this year. 

"I was particularly impressed with how the line blocked in the running game," Popper observed. "To me, this was the best the ground attack has looked at any point in camp. Kellen Moore has installed a north-south rushing scheme that is a better fit for the Chargers' personnel up front. As Johnson said earlier this week, "All of us love it. We feel like we're built for the downhill run game."

(via Bleacher Report)

The new offense implemented looks to be suiting Johnson well. In three preseason games, the offensive guard gave up no sacks and took no penalties in 32 snaps.