New Chargers TE Already Sees Ravens Influence In LA's Offense

Alex Kirschenbaum | Apr 3, 2024

Nov 9, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst (81) is tackled. / Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

In a fresh presser, new Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst spoke at length about what he's noticed from his initial practice reps with the team. It's viewable in full via the Chargers' official YouTube page.

New Los Angeles offensive coordinator Greg Roman had served with the Baltimore Ravens in various capacities from 2017-22, most recently as the club's offensive coordinator from 2019-22. It appears the Baltimore influence is apparent to some of his players.

Hurst, inked to a one-year, $1.1 million agreement with the team, opined that the Bolts' offense featured “a lot of broad strokes from the Baltimore days.” He spent his first two seasons on the Ravens, from 2018-19.

“They’re relying upon their tight ends, receivers have got ,” Hurst said (h/t to Pro Football Talk for the transcription). “It’s going to be a hell of a run game. It’s just cool seeing that playbook pop up there, familiar words, just kind of getting back to my roots.”

Hurst also remarked that he's incredibly impressed with Pro Bowl LA quarterback Justin Herbert so far.

“He’s deadly,” Hurst said. “I mean, you give him a run game and he’s going to be able to throw it all over the place. I think that’s the one thing — you know, outside looking in — that’s the one thing he hasn’t had, is a consistent run game. I mean, man, we all see what he can do through the air. You pair up a run game with that, I mean, I think the sky is the limit for this place.”

Hurst could be a boon for LA. Last season, the 6'4", 250-pound South Carolina product enjoyed a productive 2023 NFL season while with the Carolina Panthers. In just nine games, he logged 18 receptions on 32 targets (65%) for a total of 184 yards (averaging 10.2 yards per carry) and recorded one touchdown.