Harbaugh backs McDaniel but demands Herbert 'be better' as Chargers hit 0-3

Key points

• The Chargers lost 24-16 to the Bills on Sunday, dropping them to 0-3. The team forced five turnovers but scored only 16 points, failing to capitalize on red zone opportunities.
• Justin Herbert finished the game 20 of 34 for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He went 1 of 7 on deep throws, resulting in an interception.
• Herbert's passer rating is 73.4, ranking 26th in the league. His completion rate is 59.1%, a career low. He has thrown at least one interception in every start this season.
• The Chargers have committed six turnovers, which is more than the five touchdowns they have scored. The offense ranks 20th in the league.
• Harbaugh told reporters he wants Herbert to 'be better' in his decision-making. This marks a shift from his previous stance of defending Herbert without reservation.
• Harbaugh stated he has not considered removing control from McDaniel, saying, 'We trust Mike. We believe in Mike.' He added that the team is searching for ways to not beat themselves.

Background

The Chargers have struggled since hiring McDaniel as offensive coordinator this offseason to add a dynamic element to the offense. Prior to the Week 3 loss, the team had lost two games at home, with Herbert defending his leadership amid criticism of the fit between him and McDaniel. The team has also faced issues with offensive line protection and dropped passes, contributing to the offensive struggles. Harbaugh had previously stated he 'wouldn't change a thing about Justin' after Week 2, but his criticism has become more direct after the loss to the Bills.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and CBS Sports both report that Harbaugh has publicly criticized Herbert for the first time, demanding he 'be better' in his decision-making. NBC Sports emphasizes that Harbaugh has not considered removing control from McDaniel, while CBS Sports notes that Harbaugh's seat may become 'hot' if Herbert does not improve soon. CBS Sports also highlights that the offensive personnel has been 'poorly constructed' around Herbert, leading to execution issues. NFL.com notes that Herbert has thrown more deep-pass interceptions this season than in either of the previous two seasons and has failed to throw multiple touchdowns in four consecutive starts. All sources agree that the offense is struggling, but they differ in their emphasis on whether the issue lies with Herbert's execution or McDaniel's scheme. Herbert has pushed back on the idea that the scheme is too complex, while Harbaugh has not criticized McDaniel directly.

Why it matters

The Chargers' 0-3 start and offensive struggles could have significant implications for their playoff chances. If the offense does not improve, the team may fall out of playoff contention before the season's halfway point. Harbaugh's decision to back McDaniel while criticizing Herbert suggests that the coaching staff believes the issue lies with execution rather than the scheme. However, if the offense continues to struggle, Harbaugh may face mounting pressure to make changes. The upcoming schedule against strong teams could further test the team's ability to turn things around.

What to watch

The Chargers will face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4, followed by the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Rams. The team must improve its offensive execution and reduce turnovers to have a chance at winning. Harbaugh and McDaniel will need to work with Herbert to ensure he is comfortable in the scheme and can make better decisions. The team will also need to address issues with the offensive line and pass-catching corps to improve overall performance.