Ladd McConkey's Targets Increase for the Los Angeles Chargers

In the Los Angeles Chargers’ evolving passing offense, second-year wide receiver Ladd McConkey has quietly emerged as a rising playmaker, with his target count climbing steadily as the season progresses. After a rookie campaign spent in a depth role—recording just 21 targets and 12 receptions—McConkey has seen a dramatic uptick in involvement in 2024, averaging 6.8 targets per game over the last six weeks (up from 2.3 in the first five). This increase isn’t by accident; it’s a result of his consistent route-running, ability to win one-on-one matchups, and knack for making clutch catches in key situations. As the Chargers push for a playoff spot, McConkey’s growing role has become a critical complement to established stars like Keenan Allen, adding a new layer of depth to an offense that needed more reliable pass-catchers. Ladd McConkey's Targets Increase for the Los Angeles Chargers breaks down the factors driving his expanded role, his impact on the Chargers’ offense, and why he’s become a trusted option for both Justin Herbert (pre-injury) and backup Easton Stick.

The catalyst for McConkey’s increased targets came in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, a game where he stepped up in place of an injured Quentin Johnston and delivered a breakout performance. With Johnston sidelined by a hamstring issue, McConkey was elevated to the No. 3 wide receiver spot, and he made the most of the opportunity: he hauled in 5 receptions on 7 targets for 78 yards, including a critical 22-yard catch on third-and-10 that extended a fourth-quarter drive. That play not only helped the Chargers tie the game but also showed coaches that McConkey could handle pressure in high-stakes moments. Prior to that game, McConkey had been limited to special teams and occasional snaps on offense, but his Week 7 showing earned him more consistent reps. Over the following weeks, his targets continued to rise: 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, 7 vs. the New Orleans Saints, and 9 in the Week 12 win over the Denver Broncos. This steady increase reflects the Chargers’ growing trust in his ability to contribute, as he’s proven he can be more than just a depth piece. Ladd McConkey's Targets Increase for the Los Angeles Chargers frames this Week 7 performance as a turning point, as it transformed McConkey from an afterthought into a key part of the Chargers’ offensive game plan.

A key reason for McConkey’s rising target count is his technical precision as a route-runner, which allows him to create separation from defenders and give quarterbacks a clear passing window. At 6’0” and 185 pounds, McConkey isn’t the biggest receiver, but he uses his quickness and football IQ to outmaneuver cornerbacks—especially in the slot, where he’s spent 65% of his snaps this season. His ability to execute sharp cuts and fake out defenders makes him a nightmare for slot corners, who often struggle to keep up with his sudden changes of direction. In the Week 10 win over the Saints, McConkey showcased this skill on a 15-yard touchdown catch: he ran a slant route, faked a inside move to draw the defender off-balance, then cut back outside to catch a perfectly placed pass from Herbert in the end zone. That play was a masterclass in route-running, and it’s become a staple of the Chargers’ offense. Chargers wide receivers coach Chris Beatty praised McConkey’s work ethic, saying, “Ladd spends extra time every day refining his routes. He studies film to learn defenders’ tendencies, and it shows on the field. When he lines up, quarterbacks know he’ll be where he’s supposed to be—and that’s why they’re targeting him more.” Ladd McConkey's Targets Increase for the Los Angeles Chargers emphasizes that McConkey’s route-running isn’t just a skill—it’s a competitive advantage that’s making him indispensable to the offense.

For the Los Angeles Chargers, McConkey’s increased targets have helped alleviate pressure on Keenan Allen, who had been drawing constant double-teams earlier in the season. Prior to McConkey’s emergence, Allen was accounting for 35% of the Chargers’ passing targets, leaving defenses able to focus their attention on him and tight end Darren Waller. With McConkey now drawing 18% of targets, defenses are forced to spread their coverage, creating more one-on-one opportunities for Allen. This shift was evident in the Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders: Allen was double-teamed on just 20% of his routes (down from 40rlier in the season), and he responded with 8 receptions for 102 yards. Meanwhile, McConkey caught 6 passes on 9 targets for 83 yards, including a 19-yard catch that set up the Chargers’ game-winning field goal. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this balance is critical—an offense that relies too heavily on one player is vulnerable to game-planning, but with McConkey contributing, the Chargers have become more unpredictable. Quarterback Easton Stick, who took over after Herbert’s injury, noted that McConkey’s presence makes his job easier: “Having a guy like Ladd who can win his matchups takes so much pressure off. You don’t have to force the ball to Keenan or Waller—you can trust Ladd to get open, and that opens up the entire offense.” Ladd McConkey's Targets Increase for the Los Angeles Chargers explores how this balanced attack has made the Chargers’ offense harder to defend, especially as they navigate the playoff push without their franchise quarterback.

The Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive scheme has also adapted to highlight McConkey’s strengths as a versatile pass-catcher, further driving his target increase. Head coach Brandon Staley and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore have designed more plays that put McConkey in positions to succeed, including screen passes, slot fades, and deep crossing routes. These plays leverage his quickness (he ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine) and hands (he has a 91tch rate on targets within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage). In the Week 11 win over the Denver Broncos, the Chargers used a screen pass to McConkey on third-and-5: he caught the ball behind the line of scrimmage, avoided two defenders, and picked up 12 yards for a first down. Later in the game, they called a deep crossing route that saw McConkey outrun a Broncos linebacker and haul in a 34-yard pass—his longest reception of the season. For the Los Angeles Chargers, these schematic adjustments aren’t just about getting McConkey the ball; they’re about using his unique skill set to create mismatches. Moore explained, “Ladd has a combination of speed and agility that not every defender can handle. We’re designing plays to put him against linebackers or safeties—matchups we know he can win—and that’s why his targets are going up.” Ladd McConkey's Targets Increase for the Los Angeles Chargers notes that this scheme-fit has been a win-win: McConkey gets more opportunities, and the Chargers get a more dynamic, unpredictable offense.

Finally, McConkey’s increased targets have positioned him as a long-term building block for the Los Angeles Chargers’ wide receiver corps, which will face questions about the future of aging stars like Keenan Allen (31). While Allen remains a focal point of the offense, the Chargers need to plan for the future, and McConkey’s emergence provides a clear path forward. His ability to contribute in multiple roles—slot receiver, outside threat, and special teams—makes him a valuable asset, and his 2024 performance has likely earned him a more prominent role in 2025 and beyond. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this is a critical development; after years of struggling to find consistent depth at wide receiver, they’ve finally found a young player who can grow with the franchise. As the Chargers fight for a playoff spot this season, McConkey’s continued production will be key—every catch, every target, and every clutch play brings them one step closer to ending their playoff drought. Ladd McConkey's Targets Increase for the Los Angeles Chargers concludes that while McConkey may not have been a household name at the start of the season, he’s quickly becoming one for Chargers fans. His rise from a depth player to a key offensive contributor is a testament to his hard work and talent—and it’s exactly what the Chargers need to make a deep playoff run.