The Los Angeles Chargers fell to 0-4 on Sunday after a 30-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but head coach Jim Harbaugh made clear that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will remain in place despite another turnover-heavy performance.
Harbaugh said McDaniel’s position is secure and expressed confidence that the offense will improve as the season moves forward.
Quarterback Justin Herbert threw two interceptions, both to linebackers, and absorbed four sacks in the defeat. He now has six interceptions and has been taken down 12 times through four games, totals that are each tied for the NFL’s second-highest mark.
Herbert is the first Chargers quarterback since Ryan Leaf in 2000 to post at least six interceptions and 10 sacks over the franchise’s opening four games. The six picks are a career high for Herbert at this point of a season, while his 12 sacks match his previous high through four weeks.
Herbert accepted responsibility for the offense’s struggles while continuing to support McDaniel. He said his focus is on executing the calls, making plays and helping the unit deliver a better result next time out.
Protection remained a major concern, especially inside. Cole Strange and Jake Slaughter each surrendered six quarterback pressures. Herbert was pressured on 55.0 percent of his dropbacks, a figure exceeded in only one Chargers game last season: the Week 14 meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles.
When Seattle generated pressure, Herbert completed 7 of 13 passes for 101 yards and an interception while being sacked four times.
Los Angeles managed only 92 net yards before halftime. Herbert went 5-for-14 for 36 yards in the opening half, with both of his interceptions coming before the break.
The Chargers responded after falling behind by 21 points, putting together longer possessions and making the score competitive in the fourth quarter. Their comeback chance ended when Herbert lost a strip-sack fumble with roughly one minute remaining, sealing Seattle’s victory.
Herbert pointed to the second-half fight as a possible building block, praising the team’s ability to extend drives after an ineffective opening two quarters.
The Chargers have opened 0-4 for the first time since 2017. That club recovered to win nine of its final 12 games and finish 9-7, though it did not reach the playoffs. The 1992 Chargers remain the franchise’s only team to begin 0-4 and still make the postseason.
