After a frustrating 0-3 start to the 2026 season, the Chargers face an unexpected uphill battle.
Despite consecutive strong defensive performances, including a 5-turnover game against the Bills, the team has yet to win.
To turn things around and secure their first victory as early as this weekend against the Seahawks, Los Angeles must fix these six areas.
Stop the self-inflicted wounds
The Chargers currently lead the NFL with 10 false starts through just three weeks. These pre-snap penalties are killing drives and putting the team at a disadvantage. In the Week 3 loss to Buffalo, two back-to-back false starts moved the offense from the 1-yard line out to the 11-yard line, forcing them to settle for a field goal instead of a go-ahead touchdown. Cleaning up communication and being
more disciplined is the fastest way to stop beating themselves.
Snap Justin Herbert out of his slump
Quarterback Justin Herbert is off to the worst statistical start of his 7-year career, throwing more interceptions (4) than touchdowns (3). Historically one of the league's best deep-ball passers, Herbert's downfield attack has collapsed. He has a dismal 9.2 passer rating on deep throws, highlighted by a late interception intended for wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling during the loss to the Bills. Overall, Herbert looks confused and overwhelmed trying to digest Mike McDaniel’s scheme and simply isn't seeing or feeling things well. Easier said than done, but Herbert needs to bridge the gap between thinking and reacting. From a throwing standpoint, it looks like he relies on arm strength and waits for guys to be open rather than throwing them open. That needs to be an adjustment. He also has no feel for the flat or underneath areas and would rather push the ball downfield. I’d love to see more screen concepts to simply build confidence and momentum.
Catch the ball
Even when Herbert makes accurate throws, his receivers aren't helping him. Herbert currently leads the NFL in passing yards lost due to drops. Drops, including a crucial third-and-10 drop by Quentin Johnston that would have kept a second-half comeback drive alive against the Bills, are hindering the passing game. Those are inexcusable.
Tidy up in the trenches
The Chargers' offensive line was supposed to be a strength with offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater back. Instead, the entire line is still an issue, posting an abysmal 34.8% pass-block win rate in Week 3 (the fourth-lowest single-game mark in Herbert's career). Alt has already been flagged six times for penalties, and the interior of the line is in shambles. Kayode Awosika showed promise at left guard before being sidelined with an injury. Cole Strange ranks 70th out of 72 qualifying guards. Maybe it's time for one of the rookies, whether that be Logan Taylor or Alex Harkey, to get some run at right guard. Either way, I sound like a broken record, but the blocking must improve to keep Herbert from playing hero ball.
Play complementary football
The Chargers' defense under new coordinator Chris O'Leary showed immense flashes against Buffalo by forcing five turnovers. However, the offense converted those opportunities into only 16 total points. The Chargers became only the fifth team since 2015 to lose an NFL game with a turnover margin of plus-4 or better. When the defense hands over the ball, the offense must capitalize on short fields.
Clean up special teams blunders
Special teams mistakes have also cost the Chargers tight games. In Week 1 against the Cardinals, a blocked punt flipped the script and led directly to an Arizona touchdown. In Week 3, kicker Cameron Dicker missing a 45-yard field goal while up 10-0 sucked the momentum out of the team, leading to the Bills scoring ten unanswered points and tying the game. To steal a win on the road, special teams must execute flawlessly.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Fixing the Chargers: 6 issues that LA needs to resolve
