Same Old Chargers? Nightmare Start Raises Familiar Questions

The Los Angeles Chargers traveled to Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday to take on the Buffalo Bills at the new Highmark Stadium. Despite a much-improved defensive effort that forced five Bills turnovers, the Chargers fell in a 24-16 loss.

After starting the season 0-2, the Chargers looked to flush the previous two weeks and re-establish the physical football fans have come to know in the Harbaugh era. And in the first quarter, that’s exactly what they did.

The Chargers built a 10-0 lead off Buffalo’s first two turnovers, but failed to convert offensively afterward. A late, uncharacteristic red-zone interception by Justin Herbert gave the Bills the lead and squashed any remaining momentum.

Same Old Story for the Los Angeles Chargers

This may feel like deja vu to some Chargers fans. In the 2022-23 playoffs, the Los Angeles Chargers forced five turnovers (+4 margin) and remarkably blew a 27-0 lead to lose 31-30. In fact, since 2013, teams with five or more giveaways and a minus-four margin are 3-81-1… with all three wins coming against the Chargers.

In his postgame conference, Justin Herbert took the blame for the team’s offensive struggles.

“I need to play better,” Herbert said.

The offensive line struggles continued, managing a meager 34.8% pass-block win rate, the lowest rate since Justin Herbert became a Charger in 2020. Crucial drops by Oronde Gadsden and Quentin Johnston on third downs added insult to injury and emphasized the disjointed offensive product fans have seen all season from Mike McDaniels.

Perhaps on the warmest seat is hotshot offensive coordinator Mike McDaniels. McDaniels came into the season with sky-high expectations. Analysts expected to see a high-flying, fast-paced, dynamic offensive scheme with potential MVP candidate Herbert at the helm. So far, this offense has delivered just the opposite.

Play Calling Woes

A particularly frustrating moment came in the second half on Sunday. The Chargers came out with a well-balanced drive that led them all the way down the field. The Bolts found themselves set up with a first-and-goal on the three-yard line. But an offense that has looked disjointed all season failed once more.

A false start, a zero-yard pass and another false start led to another Cameron Dicker field goal. With just three feet from a momentum swing, the Chargers found themselves once again settling for a field goal.

Tom Brady, color commentator, couldn’t help but question offensive coordinator Mike McDaniels play-calling.

“On second-and-one, it’s a quarterback sneak; it’s downhill. You don’t have to do anything cute,” Brady said. “When you run these cute little plays, you’re susceptible to some of these penalties.”