The Los Angeles Chargers are no strangers to great results from their centers, whether it’s Nick Hardwick (who now coaches their offensive line), Mike Pouncey or Corey Linsley. Unfortunately, they’re also all too familiar with subpar performances from backups or below-average starters stifling the potential of their offense. Last year, the Chargers started the season ranked fifth in points added per play (EPA/play) after three weeks of football. After losing Linsley for the season, the Chargers dropped to 27th in EPA/play between Weeks 4 and 18. While other factors played a role, it was clear that the loss of an All-Pro center, which hurt the offensive line’s communication and effectiveness, was a significant contributor to the overall decline in performance.
Enter veteran Bradley Bozeman, a 2024 draftee, who has more responsibility on his shoulders this season than most analysts and fans are discussing.
In a vacuum, signing Bozeman was a great move. The six-year pro was a solid pivot in offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s scheme, where he started over 3,000 snaps for the Baltimore Ravens. It was exactly the low-risk, no-brainer trade Chargers fans were hoping for when news broke that Bozeman was being released by the Carolina Panthers. Bozeman could compete with another signing or a 2024 draft pick for the starting job and at worst provide depth along the offensive line.
The Chargers then gave fans a nasty surprise: They didn’t sign or draft another interior offensive lineman for the remainder of the offseason and preseason. As of now, the center position is now entirely in the hands of Bozeman and his backup Brenden Jaimes. Admittedly, that’s concerning.
Bozeman joins the Chargers after his worst full-time season in the NFL, allowing 32 pressures and eight sacks last year. Among 36 centers with at least 200 pass-blocking snaps, Bozeman was 25th in pass-blocking efficiency (PBE), tied with starting backup Will Clapp in 2023. Brandon Thorn, one of three go-to observers and film experts on the offensive line, didn’t rank Bozeman among the NFL’s top 15 centers. In fact, even with Jason Kelce, Ryan Jensen and Linsley all retiring, Bozeman didn’t even get an honorable mention.
Jaimes, his backup, has had his ups and downs as a starter. He’s had a balanced mix of good games and disastrous moments in his brief NFL career. His 93.3 PBE in the first preseason game was alarming, but he continued to not let the pressure set in the next two games. One thing is for sure: Jaimes doesn’t have a track record of success and consistent backup play, which is concerning. There’s no definitive reason to believe he can fill in for Bozeman for multiple games if he ever misses time.
Bozeman and Jaimes should both have better seasons in 2024 under the current regime. A group led by Jim Harbaugh will see its play elevate as the organization focuses on the offensive line. There is hope for that starter-safety duo.
This week, the focus will be on the matchup between rookie Joe Alt and All-Pro Maxx Crosby, but more attention will be paid to Bozeman’s Chargers debut. The veteran must bounce back after 2023, stay healthy and perform at an above-average level all year if the Chargers are to surpass their projected 8.5 win total. Otherwise, it could be a very long season for Justin Herbert and the offense.
