The Los Angeles Chargers have dropped every game this season, sitting at 0-8 with an offensive line ranked last in the NFL. The unit’s struggles have left quarterback Justin Herbert exposed to relentless pressure, contributing to a steep decline in his performance and the team’s inability to score more than 22 points in any contest.
Through eight games, the Chargers’ offensive line has faced a slew of injuries that have forced them to rely heavily on rookies. Joe Alt, the right tackle, suffered a neck injury on October 4 against the Seattle Seahawks but returned for Week 8, although the team’s scoring did not improve. Left tackle Rashawn Slater has been sidelined with a high ankle sprain since Week 4 and will remain out at least until November 16. Guard Kayode Awosika left the November 1 game with a fibula injury and is doubtful for Week 9. Center Tyler Bladasz suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp. Guards and tackles Trevor Penning and Trey Pipkins III are also on injured reserve, with potential returns not expected before Week 10.
The absence of these established players has forced the Chargers to fill gaps with rookies such as Travis Burke, Logan Taylor, and Jake Slaughter. The turnover in the offensive line has coincided with a sharp increase in the pressure Herbert faces. According to nflreference.com, Herbert has been sacked 31 times in just eight games, nearing last season’s total of 54 sacks in 16 games. This pressure has negatively impacted Herbert’s passing accuracy and decision-making. He has completed just 61.3% of his passes this season, down from a career average of 66.1%, and thrown only six touchdowns compared to 26 last season. Interceptions have also surged, with 11 so far this year, almost matching the 13 he threw in all of last season.
The Chargers’ offensive woes are clear in the scorelines. Their eight losses include a 44-22 home defeat to the Houston Texans on November 8, the worst margin of the season. Other losses include 26-14 to the Arizona Cardinals, 26-14 to the Las Vegas Raiders, 24-16 to the Buffalo Bills, 30-23 to the Seahawks, 23-17 to the Denver Broncos, 22-6 to the Kansas City Chiefs, and 24-9 to the Los Angeles Rams.
Pro Football Focus ranks the Chargers’ offense dead last among all 32 NFL teams. PFF describes the offensive line as “arguably the most important unit in football,” a statement reflected in the Chargers’ struggles to protect Herbert and open running lanes.
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, now in his seventh NFL season and set to turn 63 on December 23, faces mounting pressure. Harbaugh guided the San Francisco 49ers to three straight playoff appearances from 2011 to 2013, reaching Super Bowl XLVII, where his team lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens, coached by his brother John Harbaugh. The stark contrast between Harbaugh’s past success and the Chargers’ current 0-8 record illustrates the challenges facing his team.
Justin Herbert, the Chargers’ franchise quarterback since being selected sixth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, is paying a high price for the offensive line’s failures. He suffered a finger injury on his non-throwing hand against the Texans but has no fracture. The combination of injuries and a young, inexperienced offensive line has exposed Herbert to constant hits and hurried throws, leading to a significant downturn in his effectiveness.
The Chargers' injury report and player availability remain fluid, but with key offensive linemen sidelined and rookies filling critical roles, the team’s offensive struggles look set to continue. Rashawn Slater is the earliest expected return, eligible from November 16, while other linemen may not be back until Week 10, leaving the Chargers vulnerable in the immediate future.
According to Yahoo Sports.
