Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is already feeling the sting after their Week 1 upset loss to the Arizona Cardinals, telling reporters Monday that he deeply regrets resting his starters too much in the preseason. He believes the team made several “preseason type mistakes,” and honestly, after watching that game, it’s tough to argue with him.
Herbert’s Offense Hit the Skids After a Flashy Start
Man, did the Chargers look rough. For a team expected to be a playoff contender, especially with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel joining Jim Harbaugh, this was a brutal welcome to the regular season. Everyone was hyped to see what creative magic McDaniel could cook up with Justin Herbert, a guy who hasn’t quite taken that “next step” to elite quarterback status. They put in a ton of offseason practice work, but that first game? Yikes. Herbert finished 17 of 27 passing for just 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He did scramble five times for 29 yards. The offense actually started fine, even scoring a rushing touchdown on its first drive. But then it was like they hit a brick wall. Their next three possessions ended in a fumble, a turnover on downs, and a third-quarter punt. Herbert finally got into the end zone again later in the third, connecting with Ladd McConkey for an eight-yard score. That was it. After that touchdown, the offensive output completely vanished. They ended the game with a punt, a blocked punt, another interception, and then two straight turnovers on downs. That interception, man, it was a killer. Herbert threw what looked like a total prayer into double coverage, and of course, it was easily picked off. Just brutal.
Defense Couldn’t Stop a Cold, and the Penalties Piled Up
It wasn’t just the offense that looked lost. Harbaugh’s comments weren’t just about Herbert. The defense gave up 26 points to Jacoby Brissett and the Cardinals’ No. 3 overall pick, Jeremiah Love, in Mike LaFleur’s head-coaching debut. Not exactly a stellar showing. On top of that, the Chargers racked up seven penalties for 64 yards. The Cardinals had more, eight for 111 yards, but LA’s miscues felt critical. The turnover battle was one-sided, too, with the Chargers giving it away twice while Arizona played clean. And talk about failing to convert: LA went a dismal 2 of 8 on third downs and whiffed on all three of their fourth-down attempts. When you can’t move the chains or protect the ball, you’re not going to win in this league.
This Week 1 home loss has got to sting, and the Chargers have to shake it off FAST. They’re back at SoFi Stadium in Week 2, welcoming the Las Vegas Raiders. While that might sound easier on paper, the Raiders just rolled over the Miami Dolphins 27-13 in their opener. Plus, they might even get tight end Brock Bowers back, who sat out Week 1 recovering from a knee procedure. This is going to be a real test to see if Harbaugh can fix those “preseason type mistakes” before things truly get out of hand.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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