{
  "id": 8816374,
  "title": "Chargers' Justin Herbert is off to a rough start under new coordinator Mike McDaniel",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/chargers-justin-herbert-is-off-to-a-rough-start-under-new-coordinator",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T01:46:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/chargers-justin-herbert-off-rough-014653933.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Chargers are facing a challenging start to the 2026 NFL season after a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, with new quarterback Justin Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel at the helm. Herbert, who was called upon to lead the team in his debut under McDaniel, struggled in front of a hostile crowd, throwing for 192 yards, two interceptions, and fumbling three times, although the Chargers recovered all three. The Raiders capitalized on these mistakes, as the Chargers fell to 0-2.\n\nHerbert's play was not solely to blame for the loss, as the Chargers' receivers also struggled, dropping three passes in the first half, including a bobble by David Njoku that turned into an interception by the Raiders' Hezekiah Masses. Additionally, a holding penalty on Chargers right tackle Joe Alt with less than three minutes left in the game gave the Raiders an extra point, sealing their victory.\n\nOffensive tackle Tyler Biadasz, added to the roster as a free agent, was lost in training camp due to a knee injury. With a struggling offensive line, Coach Jim Harbaugh will work to improve the team's performance before their next game against unbeaten Buffalo. Harbaugh stated that they will analyze the game tape and work to find solutions moving forward, acknowledging that the NFL season operates on a one-week cycle.",
  "summary": "Herbert struggled for the second straight week on his home field — this time in front of a hostile crowd — as Los Angeles fell to 0-2 with its second 26-14 loss this season, this time to the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert was 15 of 27 for 192 yards with two interceptions and fumbled three times, although the Chargers recovered all three.",
  "key_points": [
    "Los Angeles Chargers lose to Las Vegas Raiders, 0-2 start",
    "Quarterback Justin Herbert struggles with 192 yards, 2 interceptions",
    "Offensive line issues affect team performance before Buffalo game"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Chargers' rough start under new coordinator Mike McDaniel puts pressure on Coach Jim Harbaugh to quickly address the team's multiple issues and find solutions before their next game.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Chargers’ Justin Herbert is off to a rough start under new coordinator Mike McDaniel",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/chargers-justin-herbert-is-off-to-a-rough-start-under-new-coordinator-8818713",
        "published": "2026-09-21T01:47:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Justin Herbert struggles again in Week 2",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/justin-herbert-struggles-again-in-week-2",
        "published": "2026-09-21T03:53:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}