Despite a crushing 20:10 defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Los Angeles Chargers have already exceeded all expectations.

Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers look completely different than the team fans saw last season, particularly on defense and the running game.

Running back JK Dobbins currently leads the NFL with 7.4 yards per carry after recording three games with more than 40 rushing yards. And he can do that with just 42 porters.

While Harbaugh puts more emphasis on rushing, there is still room for the passing game. And one of the biggest surprises was rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey.

McConkey, a Georgia Bulldogs product, was a standout player from day one. In his first season, he recorded 31 receptions for 447 yards and five touchdowns. He also managed 44 yards and a touchdown.

McConkey exploded in his sophomore year, nearly doubling his production. He made 58 receptions for 762 yards and seven touchdowns while also rushing for 134 yards and two touchdowns. He was named second-team All-SEC.

Despite missing significant time in his senior year due to injury, McConkey was still impressive. In nine games, he had 30 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 38 yards and a touchdown.

McConkey continued that excellence with the Chargers, who selected him with the 34th overall pick in the second round in the 2024 NFL Draft after trading the pick to the New England Patriots.

The Georgia native has emerged as one of quarterback Justin Herbert’s best options and one of the best rookie wide receivers in the NFL.

“Ladd McConkey has quickly adjusted to life in the NFL,” said Eric Smith of Chargers.com. “In three games, the rookie wide receiver has 10 catches for 109 yards and one touchdown on 17 targets.”

“Among all NFL wide receivers with at least 17 targets, McConkey ranks ninth overall with a Pro Football Focus grade of 74.9. McConkey is also second among rookies in this statistic, only behind Malik Nabers (grade 80.0).”

According to Pro Football Focus, Chris Godwin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (90.8), Nico Collins of the Houston Texans (90.1) and Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints (89.9) are currently the top three wide receivers in the NFL.

With Joshua Palmer questionable and DJ Chark Jr. on IR, McConkey is in a great position to continue to shine as the Chargers take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Other chargers: Derwin James of Los Angeles loses appeal, one-game suspension upheld