The Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line troubles have worsened through the first three games of the 2026 NFL season, contributing to their 0-3 start. The protection for quarterback Justin Herbert has faltered significantly, with the unit posting a 34.8% pass-block win rate in Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. That figure ranks as Herbert’s fourth-lowest in any game of his career, according to data shared by Chargers Wire’s Jeff Rhim.
The interior of the offensive line was already a concern before the season began, but the performance of the two star tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, has also been disappointing. Slater’s pass-block win rate stands at 76% through three games, placing him 57th out of 66 qualified tackles in the NFL this season. Rhim noted this is by far the lowest Slater has recorded in his career at this stage, with his next closest being 82% through three games last season.
Joe Alt has struggled with penalties, leading the league with six so far. Four of those penalties have been false starts, adding to the Chargers’ offensive woes. Alt’s discipline issues have compounded the line’s difficulty in protecting Herbert and sustaining drives.
The offensive line’s low pass-block win rate against the Bills underscores a broader pattern of struggles. The Chargers had hoped their line issues were behind them, but the early-season metrics suggest otherwise. Herbert has faced relentless pressure in each game, limiting his ability to execute plays and maintain offensive rhythm.
The Chargers have 14 games left to improve their line play and overall offense, but their current statistics point to ongoing challenges. The offensive line’s inability to hold blocks consistently has left Herbert vulnerable and the team’s scoring opportunities diminished. The poor performance from the tackles, combined with penalty problems, has intensified concerns over the unit’s effectiveness.
No immediate solutions or adjustments have been publicly confirmed by Chargers management or coaching staff. The team’s offensive line remains a focus as Los Angeles seeks to reverse its slow start and find stability on the field heading deeper into the season.
According to Yahoo Sports.