Chargers fall to 0-7: Instant analysis of LA’s Week 8 loss

The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a devastating loss to the Rams on Sunday, plummeting to their seventh consecutive defeat. The final score stood at Rams 24, Chargers 9. The game seemed to be out of reach for the Chargers when Trent McDuffie's interception of Justin Herbert in the second half led to a rapid two-play touchdown drive, extending the lead to 24-9 with under four minutes left in the third quarter.

In the course of the season, the Chargers have never experienced a stretch of 0-7, a mark they now share from the 2000 season when their quarterback was Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers have endured a particularly challenging streak, going 27 consecutive drives without a touchdown, the longest such period in the NFL since the 2024 Dolphins, who were coached by Mike McDaniel.

Justin Herbert had a tough day, throwing two interceptions, bringing his total to 10 interceptions for the season. The Chargers' defense, despite the interceptions by Herbert, managed to keep the Rams' offense in check, allowing only three third-down conversions on 11 attempts.

However, the Chargers struggled mightily in the running game, managing just 64 yards on 25 carries, averaging a paltry 2.6 yards per rush. On the other side, the Rams' rushing attack was a force to be reckoned with, accumulating 129 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

Tight end Oronde Gadsden II was the only Charger to make a significant contribution on offense, leading the team with 5 receptions for 52 yards. The closest the Chargers ever came to scoring a touchdown in the first half was a 54-yard Hail Mary pass from Justin Herbert to Ladd McConkey, which was intercepted at the 1-yard line as the game neared its end in the second quarter.

Looking ahead, the winless Chargers will return to SoFi Stadium to face the Texans in Week 9 on Sunday, November 8 at 1:05 pm PT.