The Chargers returned from their Week 7 bye with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel addressing the media Thursday, giving a look at the work to get the offense on track ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Rams.
McDaniel did extensive film work with quarterback Justin Herbert. He said they watched “probably 4 hours” of tape together and called it “a very healthy experience.” He stressed their strong relationship and a constructive approach to the struggles.
“There’s a healthy way to be accountable, so you’re not misdirecting blame to yourself when things aren’t working," McDaniel said.
The Chargers remain the NFL’s only winless team at 0-6, with the offense ranking last in points per game (15.0) after a season-low six points in the Week 6 loss to
the Chiefs. Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday that McDaniel would keep the call sheet, stating, “We’re very confident in Mike and his talent, his work ethic and his ability. We continue to be.”
Herbert also recently backed his coordinator. On Wednesday, he said the issues are “not his fault, it’s our fault as an offense,” adding that “the guys are open” and “plays are being made,” while stressing the need for better execution.
McDaniel offered a lengthy response regarding the external criticism and speculation about his job.
“It kind of fits my expectation for what occurs,” McDaniel said. “Like, listen, you have a team game. Everyone has their rules, and somebody has to be responsible for the overall output. And when you’re 0-6, quite frankly, all people interested in the Chargers really want the results to be different. It’s very natural. I don’t have any other expectation, you know, just because of the obvious.
“You’re new on the team, and the team’s not doing as well as they’ve done in the past. So that’s part of the part of, you know. You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. An incredibly fun job, a ton of responsibility, and in this league, you have to produce results or there’s gonna be heat. So I don’t expect anything else.
“What I spend my time on, instead of thinking about what’s being said, I think my time is best used to focus on the opponent, focus on us, and find ways that we can improve and nothing else. So I really don’t have any — everything’s an opportunity cost. If I’m spending time worried about things that I would assume would occur, that is an absolute waste of time. So, I try to stay out of that way.”
The Chargers now face a Rams defense that presents a tough test as they look for their first win. With potential offensive-line reinforcements, including the possible return of Joe Alt, and a focus on cleaner execution on offense and complementary football, we will see if the bye-week work pays off.
"Hopefully we'll show the dividends on Sunday," McDaniel said.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' Mike McDaniel takes accountability, details path forward
