Harbaugh says Chargers’ offensive review is ongoing after 0-6 start
The Chargers coach said no decisions had been made about the offense as the team entered its bye week following a 22-6 loss to Kansas City.
Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday, October 19, that the team was still examining every aspect of its struggling offense and had made no decisions, according to the Associated Press. The update came as the 0-6 Chargers entered their bye week after a 22-6 loss at Kansas City, with speculation growing about offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s position.
‘We’re looking into everything at this point, and that process is ongoing, particularly offensively,’ Harbaugh said, according to AP. He said the team’s record did ‘not give the privilege to rule out anything at this point.’ His review includes why work in meetings and practices has not translated into games.
What changed after the Kansas City loss
After Sunday’s game, Harbaugh had said he planned to watch it with the offensive coaches and evaluate the unit, according to the Chargers. Monday’s comments establish that the review was continuing and that no decision had been made. That is the update since our earlier report on Harbaugh’s pledge to review the team after the loss.
The Chargers’ offense had its lowest-scoring game of the season against the Chiefs. Quarterback Justin Herbert took four sacks and nine hits, threw his league-leading eighth interception and was the team’s leading rusher with 26 yards, AP reported. Running backs Kimani Vidal, Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell combined for 43 yards on 16 carries.
Wide receiver Ladd McConkey suffered a concussion in his return from a foot injury. Offensive tackle Joe Alt was among the Chargers absent for the Kansas City game, and Harbaugh expressed optimism that the team could be healthier after its week off, AP reported. Even when Alt was available, the offense did not score more than 16 points in the three-plus games he played.
McDaniel’s position and the next game
AP reported speculation about McDaniel’s status but no decision on his job. McDaniel was hired in January, and AP said the team would have limited options to replace him as play-caller if it chose to change its scheme. The review has no reported timetable for a conclusion.
Herbert said after the Kansas City game that he did not know why the offense had not clicked, according to the Chargers’ account. The team has a bye before facing the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on November 1, with the Chargers designated as the visiting team.
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Sources and context
- Jim Harbaugh looking for answers in all aspects of the Chargers' struggling offenseAssociated Press, republished by Yahoo Sports
- 5 Takeaways: Harbaugh Vows to 'Look at Everything' Offensively After Chargers 0-6 StartLos Angeles Chargers
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.