The Chargers’ 2025 season came to an end after a 16-3 loss to the Patriots in the wild-card round. In a game that highlighted the team’s offensive woes, quarterback Justin Herbert was sacked six times, managed only 159 passing yards, and the unit failed to score a touchdown, totaling just 207 yards.
Fans can point to the decimated offensive line after the injuries to both starting tackles and some of it on Herbert himself. But this was another reflection of the issues under offensive coordinator Greg Roman, whose scheme has stifled one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks.
With the arm talent that Herbert possesses, he was made to air it out. It doesn’t help when you have someone who lacks creativity and scheming up passing concepts to get receivers open. It’s difficult when you don’t have much time in the pocket due to a poor offensive line, yes. However, a good playcaller would hide those deficiencies.
When Roman was in Baltimore, he got the most out of Lamar Jackson’s legs, but he held him back as a passer. When the Ravens brought in a new offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, in 2023, Jackson went on to win his second MVP award, setting career highs in passing yards and completion percentage with a more spread-out offense.
When it matters the most, Roman’s playoff track record is dismal. He is 1-5 in the postseason as a playcaller and his units have averaged less than 14 points per game between his time with the Ravens and Chargers. Under Roman, the Bolts have scored only 15 points across two postseason losses.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has a long-standing professional and personal relationship with Roman, dating back to 2009 when they first started working together at Stanford. Harbaugh, when asked about Roman’s future following Sunday’s game, was non-committal: “I don’t have that answer right now. We’re going to look at that, at everything …We’ll work hard. It’ll be a new beginning.”
After back-to-back 11-win seasons derailed by lackluster offensive production, loyalty can’t trump results. The Chargers have the talent and defense to contend, so relieving Roman of his duties and making changes to the offensive staff are essential to evolve, maximize Herbert and finally end the playoff drought.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Why the Chargers must move on from Greg Roman
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
