Jim Harbaugh isn't ready to admit there's a problem with Justin Herbert

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2026 season with expectations of competing for a Super Bowl. With the Super Bowl scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium, the hope was that the Chargers would have an opportunity to compete for a championship in their own building.

Instead, their season has turned into a nightmare.

Entering Week 9, the Chargers are sitting at 0-7, and their biggest concern is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: Justin Herbert is playing some of the worst football of his career.

Through seven games, Herbert has thrown 10 interceptions, a troubling number for a quarterback who entered the season with expectations of leading this team on a deep playoff run. The turnovers have become part of a much larger offensive problem, one that doesn't appear to be getting any better.

The Chargers' offense has gone 27 consecutive drives without scoring a touchdown. That is the longest such streak since the Miami Dolphins went 30 drives without a touchdown in 2024, also under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

Herbert has five touchdowns and has been sacked 23 times.

For an offense with Herbert under center, those numbers are difficult to comprehend.

The offensive operation has looked stale, inconsistent and increasingly predictable. There hasn't been much evidence of meaningful improvement, and with the bye week already behind them, it seems unlikely that the Chargers will make any significant coaching changes.

If the organization was considering a shake-up, the bye week would have been the most logical opportunity.

Instead, head coach Jim Harbaugh continues to publicly defend his quarterback and his offensive staff.

Jim Harbaugh responds to Quentin Lake's criticism of Justin Herbert

The conversation surrounding Herbert took another turn after Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake made comments questioning the quarterback's decision-making after their 24-9 loss to the Rams last Sunday.

Lake's remarks reportedly included a reference to Herbert throwing deli meat and seeing ghosts during the Chargers' loss.

When Harbaugh was asked about Lake's criticism, he wasn't particularly interested in entertaining the discussion.

"Everybody's entitled to their opinion, that's not what I see," Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh went on to defend Herbert's performance, suggesting that the quarterback played exceptionally well outside of two throws he would undoubtedly like to have back.

"His pass game, I thought he did his job exceptionally well. Two throws he'd like to have back."

That's certainly a generous assessment considering the team's current record and the offensive struggles that have followed Herbert throughout the season.

Harbaugh was also asked whether Herbert has adapted well to McDaniel's offensive system.

"The results have not shown that. But I gave you my assessment of how he played and you can choose to do whatever you want with that," Harbaugh said.

That response was particularly interesting. Harbaugh acknowledged that the results haven't been there, but he continues to believe Herbert is performing at a high level.

At some point, however, the results have to matter.

Harbaugh addresses offensive struggles and Mike McDaniel's role

With the Chargers continuing to struggle offensively, questions have naturally turned toward McDaniel and the adjustments being made behind the scenes.

Harbaugh was asked how involved he can be in the offensive adjustments that need to happen.

"We're working harder and smarter," Harbaugh said.

When asked about referring to McDaniel as the head coach of the offense, Harbaugh made it clear that he views the offensive operation as a collective responsibility.

"It's our offense. That's how I look at it."

Those comments suggest the Chargers aren't preparing to make any immediate changes to their offensive leadership structure.

However, working harder and smarter only means so much when the offense continues to produce the same disappointing results.

The Chargers having 27 consecutive drives without a touchdown is not simply a bad stretch. It's a reflection of an offense that desperately needs answers.

Justin Herbert responds to Quentin Lake's comments

Herbert spoke with the media on Wednesday following practice as the Chargers prepare to host the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Herbert was asked about Houston's defense and what stands out on film.

"They are very good," Herbert said. "They've done a great job getting after the passer, forcing turnovers."

Considering Herbert's struggles protecting the football, the Texans present another difficult challenge for a Chargers offense that desperately needs to find some momentum.

Herbert was also asked directly about Lake's comments regarding his decision-making and the unusual deli meat and seeing ghosts remarks.

"I haven't looked into it, I haven't heard anything about it. I can't make a comment about it," Herbert said.

When asked whether he intentionally insulates himself from outside criticism, Herbert explained that his attention remains on the team and its preparation.

"I mean we're really just focused on what's going on in the building and playing football, doing what we can, doing our best to, you know, go put our best effort out on Sunday. You know, that's all that really matters."

It's an understandable response from a quarterback trying to block out the noise. Still, the noise isn't going away anytime soon if the Chargers continue playing the way they have through the first seven games.

Chargers receive encouraging injury news

While the quarterback situation and offensive struggles remain the biggest storylines, Harbaugh did provide an update on two players who could eventually provide a boost to the roster.

The Chargers have officially opened the 21-day practice windows for linebacker Denzel Perryman and tight end David Njoku to return from injured reserve.

Their potential returns could provide some much-needed reinforcements as the Chargers attempt to turn its season around.

But ultimately, the Chargers' biggest issue remains the offense.

Herbert has to find a way to protect the football, McDaniel has to find answers, and Harbaugh needs to figure out how to get this group moving in the right direction.

The Chargers are 0-7, their offense hasn't scored a touchdown in 27 consecutive drives, and the quarterback they expected to lead them to a Super Bowl is struggling to find consistency.

Harbaugh can defend Herbert publicly, and Herbert can ignore the outside criticism, but neither changes what is happening on the field.

The Chargers need wins, and they need them now.

Sunday's matchup against Houston represents another opportunity to show that this season isn't completely lost. Whether the Chargers can finally put together a complete offensive performance remains to be seen.

For now, the questions surrounding Herbert, McDaniel and Harbaugh aren't going anywhere.