After careful deliberation, the Chargers decided to keep Mike McDaniel as the team's offensive play-caller despite their disastrous 0-6 start to the season.
Jim Harbaugh announced the news on Wednesday, which came as a shock. There was a ton of speculation that McDaniel would at least lose play-calling privileges.
Instead, the Chargers are sticking with McDaniel and trusting him to turn things around, even as the offense ranks among the league's worst in several categories.
McDaniel has received a ton of criticism, and rightfully so; however, Justin Herbert believes the blame should fall on the players, not the coach.
Herbert spoke to the media on Wednesday and took on the onus for the offensive struggles.
“It’s not his fault. It’s our fault as an
offense, Herbert said.
"We have to do our job. The guys are open. Plays are being made. It’s on us to run, to block, to catch, to throw. It’s on us as an offense.”
McDaniel certainly deserves the blame for their poor start, but Herbert has also done himself no favors.
The 28-year-old quarterback is off to his worst start of the season and on pace for his worst career season. Herbert's 1,141 passing yards rank 21st, and he has recorded only 5 touchdowns to 8 interceptions, has been sacked 21 times already, and has a passer rating of 68.8.
Herbert's QBR of 29.3 ranks dead last in the league.
While Herbert's numbers are concerning, the offense's struggles aren't entirely his fault. The Chargers' pass catchers have been injured or unproductive, and the offensive line has again been hit hard by injuries, forcing several players to miss multiple games.
It's been a combination of issues, but McDaniel's complex offense hasn't done the unit any favors and has played a role in the Chargers' poor start.
The Chargers emerged from their bye week without making any meaningful changes, a decision that could ultimately cost them as the season progresses.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' Justin Herbert sends strong message about Mike McDaniel criticism
