Jim Harbaugh is set to enter Year 2 as head coach of the Chargers. It was a wildly successful first season, but now the expectations are higher in 2025.

The front office has added reinforcements throughout the roster, and it’s expected that this team will take a step forward from the 11-win 2024 campaign.

With that being said, there are still a few burning questions ahead of the season.

How will the interior of the offensive line shape up?

The starting tackle spots are set in stone, and so is the right guard position after the addition of Mekhi Becton. The center and left guard positions, though, are up in the air. Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson are front-runners for the starting center job. Whoever doesn’t win will likely be the starting left guard. Both players struggled a season ago, so they must show signs of improvement.

Who will step up as the No. 2 playmaker?

There’s no doubt as to who the No. 1 option in the passing game is in the form of Ladd McConkey. The problem is, the team didn’t have a legitimate No. 2 option last year. Quentin Johnston showed signs of it at times, but he was still too inconsistent.

The former first-rounder still has the potential to be that secondary choice for Justin Herbert, but rookie Tre Harris may be ready to take over that role. If he can do so, it will take this offense to new heights. Mike Williams was also brought back.

Will the defensive line be able to replace Poona Ford?

The Chargers’ defensive line was underrated in 2024, as they held the fort down up front. Poona Ford was the biggest reason for that, and Los Angeles lost him. The Chargers didn’t exactly make any huge splashes at the position in free agency either.

The front office signed a few journeymen in addition to using a third-round draft pick on Jamaree Caldwell. It will be a group effort to try and replace the efforts of Ford, which will be much easier said than done. We’ll see if the front office’s lack of investment in the position comes back to bite them.

Will the young defenders take the necessary step forward?

The Chargers lost a few key veterans from the defense and in turn, they will ask a lot out of some youngsters. Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still will be asked to take a jump in the cornerback room as sophomores. The team needs something from linebacker Junior Colson, who didn’t provide much as a rookie in 2024.

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter may need an immediate impact from the aforementioned rookie, Caldwell, given the lack of talent in that defensive line room. These are the X-factors that will determine if this defense can remain elite once again in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: What are the most burning Chargers questions before 2025 season?