{
  "id": 8818713,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T01:47:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/nfl/2026/09/20/chargers-justin-herbert-is-off-to-a-rough-start-under-new-coordinator-mike-mcdaniel"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two games into the NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers are facing criticism as quarterback Justin Herbert and the team struggle under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Herbert, who previously excelled with the Miami Dolphins, has been inconsistent in his debut with the Chargers. In their first matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, Herbert completed 15 of 27 passes for 192 yards, two interceptions, and three fumbles, two of which were recovered by the Chargers. This performance followed a similar struggle in a previous loss to Arizona, where he threw for 209 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The Chargers, however, fumbled six times, losing one. Quarterback struggles are compounded by the team's own mishaps, such as three dropped passes by receivers, including an interception by the Raiders in the first half. The team's offensive line, featuring a new addition in free-agent center Tyler Biadasz, has also been a concern, with Biadasz sidelined with a knee injury. Coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledges the need for improvement, stating that the team must find the right solutions and move forward, emphasizing that they will review game footage and work diligently to rectify the issues.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Justin Herbert inconsistent in debut with Chargers.",
    "Team struggles with six fumbles, three dropped passes.",
    "Coach Harbaugh acknowledges need for improvement."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Chargers' struggles under new coordinator Mike McDaniel put pressure on quarterback Justin Herbert, whose inconsistent play, compounded by team mishaps, threatens to derail the team's season.",
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/8818713.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-21T01:46:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}