{
  "id": 8977844,
  "title": "Stephen A Smith Doesn't Hold Back on Chargers After 0-2 Start",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/stephen-a-smith-doesnt-hold-back-on-chargers-after-0-2-start",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T18:18:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/stephen-a-smith-doesnt-hold-back-on-chargers-after-0-2-start-12469212"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles Chargers, under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, began their NFL season with ambitious expectations from fans and analysts alike. However, after just two games, the team's fortunes took a sharp downward turn, resulting in a 0-2 record. Their inaugural loss came against the Arizona Cardinals, a surprising defeat that set a somber tone for the season. Just a few days later, in what proved to be an equally disappointing outing, the Chargers suffered another setback at the hands of division rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders.\n\nQuarterback Justin Herbert has grappled with inconsistent performances, amassing 401 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in the two games lost. His completion rate stands at a concerning 59.3%. On Monday's episode of ESPN's First Take, outspoken host Stephen A. Smith delivered a blistering critique of the Chargers' underwhelming start. \"They're 0-2. They look like trash,\" Smith declared, expressing his disbelief and disappointment. \"What the hell is going on with the Los Angeles Chargers? They're an incredible disappointment, and they need to get their act together.\"\n\nDespite the tough start, the Chargers remain poised for redemption. They are scheduled to face the Buffalo Bills in a challenging matchup this coming Sunday, aiming to salvage their 2026 campaign. Following that, they will take on the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, in the week to come.",
  "summary": "ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith blasted the Los Angeles Chargers for their brutal start to the 2026 NFL season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Los Angeles Chargers start season 0-2",
    "Stephen A. Smith criticizes team's performance",
    "Chargers face Buffalo Bills next Sunday"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}