NFL Insiders: Chargers Aren't 'as Talented as Advertised' Outside Herbert, Slater

There is reportedly a belief within the NFL that the struggling Los Angeles Chargers' roster is not as good as originally thought.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, an anonymous AFC executive suggested this week that the Chargers are lacking in terms of overall talent aside from quarterback Justin Herbert and offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, saying: "Outside of the quarterback and the left tackle, they don't have enough good young players right now."

Entering the 2023 season, the Bolts were widely expected to make the playoffs and possibly even challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West crown, but they have almost no margin for error the rest of the way if they want to make the postseason, as they are in last place in their division at 4-6.

Herbert is in the midst of his fourth NFL season, and although it hasn't translated to team success, he has been even better than advertised.

The No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for 4,336 yards and a rookie-record 31 touchdowns in his debut season, and he followed it up with a remarkable 5,014 yards and 38 touchdowns en route to his first Pro Bowl selection in 2021.

Herbert's numbers were down last season to the tune of 4,739 yards and 25 touchdowns as he dealt with injuries, but he got the Chargers to the playoffs for the first time in his career with a 10-7 record.

It looked as though the Chargers were set to demolish the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card Round of the playoffs after racing out to a 27-0 lead, but the Jags came back to win 31-30, completing one of the greatest comebacks in NFL playoff history.

There was at least some expectation that the meltdown would cost head coach Brandon Staley his job, but the Chargers decided to stick with him in a move that hasn't been paying dividends.

At 4-6, the Chargers are in danger of falling out of playoff contention, and they are coming off one of their worst performances of the year, falling 23-20 to a middling Green Bay Packers team.

As usual, Herbert has been one of the lone bright spots, completing 66.2 percent of his passes for 2,609 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions, putting him in line for a second career Pro Bowl nod.

Slater, who was the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, has been excellent as well, starting all 10 games on the heels of missing 14 games due to injury last season.

Most of the Chargers' other major contributions on offense have come from veteran players such as running back Austin Ekeler and wide receiver Keenan Allen.

Arguably the biggest issue for the Chargers is their defense, which has underperformed significantly compared to expectations.

L.A. ranks 31st in the NFL in total defense with 393.6 total yards allowed per game, and tied for 23rd in scoring defense with 23.8 points allowed per contest.

Defensive end Joey Bosa landed on injured reserve this week and cornerback J.C. Jackson was traded back to the New England Patriots earlier this season after failing to live up to the huge contract he signed.

Veteran pass-rusher Khalil Mack and safety Derwin James have been solid, but the pieces simply haven't fit together to form a cohesive unit.

On paper, the Chargers should be one of the better teams in the NFL, however, they may not have the right mix, and if NFL scouts and executives are on the money, they may not be as talented as the general public thought either.