Chargers' Justin Herbert defends Jim Harbaugh after controversial decision in loss to Broncos

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh surprisingly became the subject of some hot-seat chatter even before his club suffered a 23-17 loss to the Denver Broncos that dropped the Chargers to 0-5 on Sunday. 

In the fourth quarter of that game, the Chargers held a 17-10 lead when Harbaugh had Justin Herbert attempt a quarterback sneak on a fourth-and-one at the Los Angeles 41-yard line with 10:33 remaining in regulation. Herbert was stuffed short of picking up the first down, and the Broncos subsequently scored a game-tying touchdown on their next drive. 

While some criticized Harbaugh for that decision, Herbert defended his head coach following the game. 

Justin Herbert: It's "on me" to come through in pivotal moment

"I think it's on me to get a yard," Herbert said, per
Anthony Gharib of ESPN. "We got to be able to push and get a yard. I have complete faith in our guys and myself, and it's on us to go get a yard and convert."

Herbert's noticeable regression is only adding fuel to the fire regarding talk about the Chargers possibly parting ways with Harbaugh and/or with first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel before the ongoing campaign comes to an end. According to Pro-Football-Reference, Herbert began Monday ranked 30th in the NFL out of 31 players with a 28.5 adjusted QBR and 30th with a 70.2 passer rating. Per StatMuse, no player has committed more turnovers than Herbert (nine) this season. 

"A lot to process, but definitely not where we want to be," Herbert said about the team's record, as shared by Noah Furtado of The Athletic. 

Things get no easier for the Chargers

While speaking with reporters after Sunday's loss, Harbaugh seemed to have no strong message for his players and no answer for how he could help the Chargers complete a turnaround. He is now tasked with preparing his club to play at a 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs side on Oct. 18 that is coming off its bye. 

As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Chargers as 8.5-point road underdogs against the Chiefs. One wonders whether changes could come for the Chargers during their Week 7 bye if they get blown out by Kansas City.