Chargers Hit 0-4 as Harbaugh Defends McDaniel Amid Herbert's Career-Worst Struggles

Key points

• Justin Herbert threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the 30-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, bringing his season total to six interceptions and 12 sacks.
• Jim Harbaugh praised Herbert's 'grit' and competitiveness, stating he respects Herbert more than any other player he has coached, despite the team's 0-4 start.
• Harbaugh explicitly defended offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, saying his job is not in jeopardy and that the team will 'keep growing' under his leadership.
• Herbert is the first Chargers quarterback with at least six interceptions and 10 sacks through the first four games since Ryan Leaf in 2000.
• The Chargers' offensive line struggled, with interior linemen allowing six pressures each, leading to Herbert facing pressure on 55% of dropbacks.

Background

The Chargers have struggled since the start of the 2026 season, losing their first three games by a combined 51 points. In Week 3, Harbaugh publicly criticized Herbert's decision-making but reaffirmed his trust in McDaniel. The team has not scored more than 16 points in any game this season, and Herbert has failed to throw multiple touchdowns in four consecutive starts. The 0-4 start is the first for the Chargers since 2017, when they finished 9-7 but missed the postseason.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports emphasized Herbert's 'grit' and competitiveness, with Harbaugh calling it one of the grittiest performances he has seen. CBS Sports focused on the offensive struggles, noting Herbert's career-worst QBR of 27.9 and the team's 4th-worst scoring offense. NFL.com highlighted the defensive line's struggles, with Herbert facing pressure on 55% of dropbacks, and noted that the Chargers' first half was particularly gruesome, with only 92 total net yards. All sources agree that Harbaugh is defending McDaniel, but they differ in their emphasis on Herbert's individual performance versus the team's overall offensive execution.

Why it matters

The Chargers' 0-4 start raises questions about the sustainability of the current coaching structure and the fit between Herbert and McDaniel. If the team cannot turn things around before the midseason mark, Harbaugh may need to make changes to the offense or the coaching staff. The team's struggles also highlight the importance of the offensive line, which has been a major issue this season.

What to watch

The Chargers will face the next game in Week 5, where they will need to improve their offensive execution and reduce turnovers. Harbaugh and McDaniel will need to make adjustments to the offense to help Herbert succeed. The team will also need to improve their defensive line's ability to protect the quarterback, as Herbert has been sacked 12 times in four games.