It’s no surprise that the Los Angeles Chargers are showing signs of improvement this season.

Jim Harbaugh has a history of transforming teams, leading Stanford to become a Pac-10 powerhouse, guiding the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl contention, and securing a national championship with Michigan. Under his leadership, the Chargers have kicked off their season with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2012, following a dominating 26-3 victory against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2.

“It was a great team effort. The talent and effort you show will define you as a football player. That’s something I firmly believe,” Harbaugh stated after the game. “Our players really excelled in both areas. Across all three phases of the game, they were ready and executing at a high level. Very impressive.”

This season, the Chargers have displayed a stronger performance on both offense and defense. They’ve given up only one touchdown in their first two games and have rushed for an impressive 395 yards. Running back J.K. Dobbins is proving to be healthy and energized. However, one standout player representing the Chargers’ impressive start is second-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston.

Selected 21st overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Johnston experienced a challenging rookie season under former coach Brandon Staley, with a catch rate of just 56.7%, placing him 171st out of 197 eligible receivers, along with three dropped passes.

This year, Johnston’s responsibilities have expanded following the departures of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. He told YSL News Sports earlier this month that he approached this season with an elevated sense of confidence.

“I feel great,” Johnston shared with YSL News Sports. “Last season had its challenges and learning experiences for me. I’m applying those lessons now and working on improving my game.”

“Most of my drops came from being anxious before catching the ball. It’s not that I struggle with catching; I just need to focus more when the ball is in the air. Sometimes I rushed to make plays after the catch, and I’m making it a priority to work on those nuances.”

During his time at Michigan, Harbaugh saw Johnston excel at TCU, where he had six receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown when TCU triumphed over Michigan in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl.

Last Sunday, Johnston displayed flashes of his college prowess, recording five receptions for 51 yards and two touchdowns in the Chargers’ Week 2 win. For comparison, he only had two touchdowns throughout his entire previous season.

“It was fantastic to watch him perform like that. We have so much faith in him, and we saw glimpses of this during training camp and OTAs. He’s capable of making big plays. We knew it was just a matter of time before he showcased it on such a significant stage,” said Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. “I’m thrilled for him, and I’m confident this is just the start of something great for him.”

Johnston’s routes are sharper, and his confidence is evident. This transformation can largely be attributed to the influence of Harbaugh. The seasoned coach is known for his ability to help players reach their full potential, and Johnston, along with the rest of the Chargers, exemplifies this effect.

“No one is more excited for Quentin Johnston than I am. Everyone on the team admires and respects him,” Harbaugh noted. “He has faced criticism from many, but it doesn’t deter him. He remains focused on improvement and stays humble. Just keep being yourself, Q. It’s working.”

After two weeks, things are looking up for Johnston and the entire Chargers team.

Follow YSL News Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.