Los Angeles Chargers’ Struggles Continue in 2026 Season

The Los Angeles Chargers’ 2026 season hit a new low on Sunday as they fell to the Houston Texans, losing 44-22. This defeat places the Chargers at a dismal 0-8 record.

Justin Herbert’s Struggles

Quarterback Justin Herbert faced considerable challenges. His offensive line failed to protect him, allowing him to be sacked eight times. This marks the highest number of sacks Herbert has taken in a single game in his career.

Remarkably, this ties an ignominious franchise record. The last time a Chargers quarterback, Dan Fouts, was sacked eight times was on October 17, 1976, by the Oilers, as reported by ESPN Insights.

Season Sacks and Interceptions

Sunday’s sacks added to Herbert’s season total of 31, placing him second in the NFL after Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson with 33.

Herbert’s difficulties didn’t end there. He threw an interception, continuing a streak of at least one interception per game in all eight games this season. This streak is the longest since Peyton Manning recorded interceptions in the first nine games in 2015. Herbert leads the league with 11 interceptions this season.

Injury Concerns

In the fourth quarter, Logan Hall’s sack led to Herbert injuring his left middle finger. This is the same hand Herbert had surgically repaired last season. Despite the pain, he stayed in the game and threw a remarkable 58-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnson, ending a 38-possession drought for the Chargers without a touchdown.

Herbert later appeared with a glove on his left hand, raising concerns of a potential fracture. While he downplayed the injury’s severity, head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed concern.

Challenges with Offensive Coordination

The Chargers’ season continues with mounting issues. Apart from injuries and poor performances, Herbert and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel seem to be out of sync. The lack of positive outcomes raises questions about McDaniel’s position and whether Coach Harbaugh will make changes moving forward.