Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh under fire for failing Justin Herbert during upset loss

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has a well-established reputation as a run-first guy who wants to win in the trenches and impose his will. 

It’s a well-earned reputation that has him as one of the greatest coaches to ever grace the sport, which features massive, quick turnarounds for programs at the college and pro level upon his arrival. 

So what happened in New York? 

The Chargers, sitting on a triumphant 3-0 record after bullying the entire AFC West, went to face the winless Giants and lost, 21-18. 

Along the way, Harbaugh’s offense asked Justin Herbert to attempt 41 passes behind an offensive line that lost Joe Alt to injury. Behind a line, too, that entered without starters Rashawn Slater and Mekhi Becton. 

First-round rookie running back Omarion Hampton, meanwhile, carried the ball 12 times for 128 yards and a score, good for a 10.7 per-carry average. 

After the game, Harbaugh waxed poetic about penalties, hits Herbert took and not getting Hampton the ball more, especially: "In hindsight, lose a game, you always think what you could've done different."