Justin Herbert Refuses to Blame Mike McDaniel for Chargers' Offensive Struggles

In the first six games of the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Chargers have struggled mightily at the offensive end, resulting in a 0-6 record following their Week 7 bye. The team's lackluster performance has led to high expectations being unmet, and the blame is being shared by both offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and quarterback Justin Herbert.

Herbert recently spoke out on behalf of the offense, assuring fans that McDaniel is not solely to blame for the team's poor results. In a statement, Herbert highlighted that the entire offense must take responsibility for their performance: "It’s not his fault. It’s our fault as an offense. We have to do our job. It’s not Mike’s fault. The guys are open. Plays are being made. It’s on us to run, to block, to catch, to throw. It’s on us as an offense."

The analysis of the Chargers' offensive performance paints an even bleaker picture. Their 287.2 yards per game rank 28th in the NFL, while their -0.26 EPA per play puts them at the very bottom of the league. Furthermore, the team's 15.0 points per game is also the worst in the NFL.

The offense' struggles have been exacerbated by a high number of sacks and pressures faced by Herbert. He has been sacked 21 times, which is the third-most in the league despite the team having already received a Week 7 bye. Herbert has been pressured on 42.1% of his dropbacks, making him the fifth-most pressured quarterback in the league according to Next Gen Stats.

With the season on the line, it is crucial for the Chargers to turn their fortunes around in order for McDaniel to retain his position. They will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8, and the pressure is mounting for the team to improve their offensive performance.