Identifying specific trends from NFL teams can take a fair amount of time. That is especially true when considering new regimes once they get their shot in a new place. At the same time, some of the more impactful, difference-making trends may be something that teams tap into a fourth of the time throughout the season.
Let's look at the Los Angeles Chargers. For 2026, Mike McDaniel is now the offensive coordinator. Following his departure from the Dolphins, Miami's former head coach gets to call plays for one of the more intriguing quarterbacks in the league. Joining Justin Herbert will put a lot of emphasis on Los Angeles' passing attack. However, could the Chargers' run game actually be the ingredient that pushes them over the top?
The Dolphins finished last year at a strong clip on the ground. Granted, they were unable to reach the playoffs. Most people probably did not realize how dominant they were in the second half of the season. But when looking at their results to close out 2025, there are reasons to wonder about the Chargers' rushing attack and what it may look like.
Does Los Angeles end up establishing itself as an efficient ground attack? Or will it feel pressure to keep the ball in Herbert's hands? The Chargers could create a trendy result they have failed to see in the run game in quite some time. The duo of Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell is tantalizing.
Dolphins were among most explosive rushing attacks to end last season
The Dolphins have seen a lot of highly paid stars come and go in recent years. But at running back, the versatile De'Von Achane grew into a key part of the Miami offense. He was extended accordingly this offseason.
Achane was the engine that drove the Dolphins to a stellar finish in rushing offense late last year. According to Nate Tice, Miami was second in explosive play rate and first in explosive run rate from Week 10 to the end of the season.
Much of this can be attributed to Achane's abilities. But, of course, McDaniel is one of the better play designers in the league. The amount of motion and crossing action in his run game is often too much for defenses to handle. That action stems not only from the running back, but also from the way blockers and pass catchers are deployed to create plenty of confusion.
Mike McDaniel's creativity is the catalyst
Miami was quick to use staggered, small motions with its wide receivers on run plays. McDaniel would utilize motions both toward where the ball was being snapped and out to the perimeter. Cheat motions and out motions often change the math for defenders and their placement in or out of the box. That can produce more light-box rushing opportunities than expected, leading to explosive chunk gains as a result.
Elsewhere, the pulling action McDaniel incorporates is impressive. There are snaps where one puller is working toward space. That may be a fullback, a tight end, or an offensive lineman. In other moments, McDaniel does not hesitate to use multiple pullers to get out in front of the ball carrier. In a numbers game, the Dolphins had a mix of size and speed that wreaked havoc.
The main takeaway from the rushing attack? McDaniel produces chances for open space to run through. It looks too easy at times. But with his attack, plenty of misdirection is combined with the twist and counter action that defenses are forced to defend.
Chargers face some key internal indecisions
The greatest challenge the Chargers may face in building an efficient rushing attack is perhaps their offensive line. By no means is Los Angeles lacking talent up front. Obviously, injuries have been a major sticking point, though. Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt have not had much luck in recent seasons in that regard. Do Tyler Biadasz and Cole Strange have the capability to provide a durable campaign after joining Los Angeles this offseason?
Injury and reshuffling on the offensive line has, of course, affected Herbert greatly throughout his career. Will Jim Harbaugh ultimately trust in a balanced offense? Harbaugh has lauded Herbert as one of the best quarterbacks ever since he got the job.
It is not easy to take the ball out of the passer's hands. But Harbaugh has seen some of his best seasons as a head coach, both in college and the NFL, when doing so. How far he leans into that with McDaniel now aboard could make or break the Chargers' hopes this season.
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