The Los Angeles Chargers have plummeted to a 0-5 start this season, struggling significantly across most offensive metrics. Head coach Jim Harbaugh continues to back quarterback Justin Herbert despite a poor showing in a recent loss to the Denver Broncos.
Jim Harbaugh’s demand for a "better" Justin Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers are currently facing a crisis of efficiency, ranking near the bottom of the league in nearly every offensive category. While the team has failed to secure a single victory, coach Jim Harbaugh has maintained public confidence in his quarterback. However, that support comes with a caveat; Harbaugh has explicitly stated that Justin Herbert must "be better" to lead the team out of its current slump.
This tension highlights a broader trend in the NFL where elite talent is often expected to mask systemic failures in coaching or roster construction. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the struggle is not just about wins and losses, but about whether Herbert can adapt to Harbaugh's specific offensive philosophy while the team remains in the league's cellar.
Why Adam Schefter dismisses trade rumors for the 28-year-old QB
Despite the winless start, the Los Angeles Chargers have firmly shut down speculation regarding a change at the quarterback position. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the organization has not once discussed the possibility of trading the 28-year-old Justin Herbert. This denial comes at a time when Herbert's on-field production has dipped, evidenced by a Week 5 performance against the Broncos where he completed only 14-of-24 passes for 121 yards, one touchdown , and one interception.
The report notes that Herbert's interception was an "inexcusable throw," yet the team views him as an indispensable asset. This raises a critical question that remains unanswered: if the Los Angeles Chargers refuse to move Herbert,what specific schematic changes will Jim Harbaugh implement to reduce these costly turnovers?
The 30th-ranked pass protection and Rashawn Slater’s injury
The struggles of the Los Angeles Chargers' offense are compounded by a devastating blow to the offensive line. As reported by Ian Rapoport, tackle Rashawn Slater is expected to miss between four and six weeks due to a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 4. The loss of Slater is catastrophic for a unit that, through Week 4, ranked 30th in the league's pass blocking win rate.
Interestingly, the Los Angeles Chargers are not struggling across the board on the line; they actually ranked fifth in run blocking prevail rate through the first four weeks. This disparity suggests that while the team can move the ball on the ground, Justin Herbert is left dangerously exposed in the pocket. It remains unclear who the Los Angeles Chargers will tap to fill Slater's role, and whether a replacement can prevent the constant pressure that plagued Herbert during the Week 5 loss to the Broncos.
A 2029 contract as the anchor for a post-2026 rebuild
The long-term financial commitment to Justin Herbert makes a trade virtually impossible in the current climate. Because Herbert is signed through the 2029 season, the Los Angeles Chargers possess a rare level of stability at the most important position in sports. The report suggests that even if the team decides to go "all in" on a total rebuild following the 2026 season , Herbert will remain the centerpiece of that project.
This strategy mirrors the approach of other struggling franchises that prioritize a franchise quarterback over short-term wins. By securing Herbert through 2029,the Los Angeles Chargers are betting that the current 0-5 start is a temporary growing pain rather than a permanent decline. The primary uncertainty now is whether the supporting cast can be upgraded quickly enough to ensure Herbert's prime years aren't wasted on a losing trajectory.
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