EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — For the Los Angeles Chargers, the season has been anything but friendly. Eight games into the year, the Chargers remain winless at 0-8, with questions continuing to surround the direction of the team and its future.
But if there was one message Khalil Mack wanted to make clear Saturday after practice, it was that the Chargers aren't looking too far ahead.
Their attention is on Baltimore.
Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune
Khalil Mack #52 of the Los Angeles Chargers on the field in El Segundo, California.
The Chargers are preparing to travel across the country for a Monday Night Football matchup against the Ravens, where they will have an opportunity to finally get their first victory of the season. Despite the disappointing start, Mack's mindset hasn't changed.
Speaking exclusively with The Sporting Tribune in a one-on-one conversation inside the Chargers' locker room, Mack made it clear that the only thing that matters now is preparing for Monday night.
"It starts on Monday," Mack said. "Focusing on the Ravens and focusing on the preparation on getting better."
It's a straightforward message from one of the most experienced players in the Chargers' locker room. At 0-8, there is plenty for the organization to address, but Mack isn't interested in getting caught up in the outside noise.
That noise only grew louder following Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium, particularly with the NFL trade deadline approaching.
Khalil Mack reacts to Daiyan Henley's failed trade
For much of the weeks leading up to the deadline, the Chargers appeared committed to keeping their roster together despite their struggles. General managers around the league had reportedly shown interest in several players, including Mack, but the Chargers weren’t initially willing to move on from its veteran defensive leader.
Mack had also previously expressed his desire to remain with the Chargers.
However, the biggest surprise came when linebacker Daiyan Henley was reportedly dealt to the Denver Broncos in exchange for two draft picks.
The proposed move sent shockwaves through the Chargers' locker room. Henley had become one of the team's most talented defensive players, making the possibility of losing him particularly difficult to process, especially to a divisional opponent.
The Chargers had reportedly attempted to work out a contract extension with Henley, but the two sides couldn't reach an agreement. That ultimately led to the organization exploring a trade.
Then came the unexpected ending.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 12, 2026
Denver reportedly had concerns following Henley's physical and attempted to renegotiate the terms of the deal. General manager Joe Hortiz wasn't willing to move forward under those revised conditions, and the trade ultimately fell apart.
Henley remained a Charger.
When I asked Mack about the situation and what it meant to have his teammate back in the locker room, his appreciation was evident.
"Very grateful, man, very grateful," Mack said. "Like I said, the focus is on the Ravens. Glad to have him back, but we need to focus on getting our first win."
Mack's reaction offered a glimpse into the importance of Henley's presence within the defensive group. Regardless of what happened at the trade deadline, having a familiar teammate back on the field is something Mack clearly appreciates.
And with the Chargers desperately searching for their first victory, continuity on defense could be important moving forward.
Khalil Mack excited for Jesse Minter reunion
James Lang-Imagn Images
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter looks on in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium.
Henley's situation wasn't the only interesting subject during my conversation with Mack.
There was another name that immediately brought a smile to his face: Jesse Minter.
The former Chargers defensive coordinator is now leading the Baltimore Ravens, setting up an intriguing reunion on Monday night between Minter and several players he previously coached in Los Angeles.
Minter played an important role in the Chargers' defensive success during his time with the organization. His departure created a new chapter for the defense, but the familiarity between the former coach and his players adds another storyline to an already important matchup.
When asked what he learned from Minter during their time together last season, Mack acknowledged the impact their relationship had on him while also recognizing the opportunity Minter has received in Baltimore.
"I learned a lot of things," Mack said of his relationship with Minter. "It's really dope to see the opportunity he has over there with Baltimore. Ultimately, man, we're going over to handle business and get our first win."
There was a noticeable smile from Mack when discussing his former defensive coordinator. The respect is clearly there, but the message remains consistent.
Friendships and familiarity will have to wait until after the game.
Mack and the Chargers are traveling to Baltimore with one objective: leave with a victory.
Mack reveals what the Chargers must do to get their first win
At 0-8, the Chargers have reached a point where simply competing isn't enough. They need to find a way to finish games and turn their performances into victories.
While the defense hasn't been the primary concern throughout the season, the unit will have an important responsibility against Baltimore.
Mack has appeared in all eight games this season, recording three sacks and 12 total tackles. At 35 years old, Mack continues to provide experience and leadership, even as injuries and the natural challenges of a long NFL career have become part of the equation.
His production has remained valuable, but the Chargers need more than individual performances to change their season.
When I asked Mack what the defense must do to help the team finally get into the win column, he pointed directly to creating turnovers.
"Do everything you can to help the defense create turnovers and ultimately that would give the ball in our team's hand," Mack said. "The more we get the ball, the more we can score."
It's a simple formula, but an important one.
The Chargers have recorded 12 takeaways through their first eight games, ranking 10th in the NFL. Continuing to create opportunities for the offense could be a significant factor against a Baltimore team coached by someone who knows the Chargers' defensive personnel extremely well.
Monday night presents an opportunity to change the narrative
The Chargers have dealt with a difficult start, trade deadline uncertainty and questions about the direction of their season.
Yet Mack isn't allowing any of those storylines to become a distraction.
His message throughout our one-on-one conversation was consistent: prepare, focus and find a way to win.
Having Henley back is a positive for the defense. Seeing Minter again will make Monday night's matchup even more interesting. But neither storyline matters as much as what happens when the ball is kicked off.
For a team sitting at 0-8, Monday night represents another opportunity to change the narrative surrounding its season.
And Mack knows exactly what needs to happen.
The Chargers need to create turnovers, give their offense opportunities and finally finish a game with a victory.
Whether they can accomplish that against their former defensive coordinator and the Baltimore Ravens is the question.
One thing is certain: Mack isn't traveling to Baltimore for a reunion. He's going there to get a win.