The Chargers dropped to a frustrating 0-2 start after a sloppy 26-14 loss to the Raiders at SoFi Stadium.
Here are ten random thoughts on the game, ranging from painful execution errors to long-term roster wishes:
The self-inflicted mistakes are agonizing
It's hard to win when you're fighting your own execution. Between the dropped passes, center Jake Slaughter snapping the ball right into an in-motion receiver, a bobbled exchange with running back Keaton Mitchell, and consecutive false-start penalties by right tackle Joe Alt, the Bolts essentially beat themselves.
Justin Herbert is neither the hero nor the villain
Labeling Herbert the villain because of the loss to the Raiders ignores the context of his environment. He didn't drop the football three times on his own, nor did he blow coverages in the secondary. He is adjusting to an offensive
system that is still finding its identity and just doesn't look comfortable right now. At the same time, he isn't the hero who can completely transcend these flaws right now. His two interceptions and three fumbles were costly, self-inflicted mistakes that directly hindered the team's chances of a comeback. A franchise quarterback is expected to elevate the players around him during ugly games, and Herbert simply couldn't overcome the chaos.
Maybe Mike McDaniel wasn't meant for Justin Herbert
McDaniel was the offensive coordinator most Chargers fans wanted, but they're now regretting it, with some reminiscing about the days of Joe Lombardi. His highly intricate, motion-heavy offensive scheme appears to be far too complicated for Herbert to execute comfortably. He has looked completely discombobulated. Rather than utilizing his elite natural traits, Herbert looks stuck in his own head, paralyzed by the sheer volume of pre-snap adjustments, complex reads, and rigid timing requirements. On the sideline, the body language said it all: a shell-shocked Herbert stared into space while McDaniel frantically chattered next to him.
Omarion Hampton is a bright spot, but the fumbles have to stop
Hampton showed great vision and power, grinding out 94 yards on 23 carries along with a one-yard touchdown run. However, coughing up his second lost fumble in just two weeks stalls the offense when it needs momentum most.
Busted coverages are killer
Quarterback Kirk Cousins' 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tre Tucker, the result of a complete miscommunication in the secondary between safeties Genesis Smith and RJ Mickens, was entirely avoidable. Busted coverage like that deflates a defense instantly.
Rodney Shelley: Special teams ace?
With Deane Leonard out with an injury, the team called on Shelley over the past two weeks. The undrafted rookie was a vital gunner, showing elite acceleration and disciplined downfield pursuit to force a couple of fair catches. He also made two tackles on kickoff coverage. Shelley saw an increase in defensive snaps, which unfortunately led to an allowed touchdown to wide receiver Cody White.
With Deane Leonard out with an injury, undrafted rookie Rodney Shelley has really stepped up for the Chargers on special teams, both as a gunner and on kickoff coverage. pic.twitter.com/rLgwVsFx1B
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) September 22, 2026
Will the real TE1 please stand up?
Oronde Gadsden II provided a silver lining, catching both of his targets for 18 yards and a 10-yard touchdown. Following a devastating wave of injuries during Sunday's game, Gadsden is now the only healthy tight end on the active roster. Both David Njoku (fibula) and Charlie Kolar (forearm) are expected to land on injured reserve, leaving Gadsden as the undisputed TE1 moving forward and positioned to become a bigger factor in the passing game.
Akheem Mesidor is showing vital signs
After a quiet Week 1, the rookie edge rusher had a highly encouraging game. Mesidor led the Chargers with four pressures and recorded his first partial career sack, combining with defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson to bring down Cousins in the first quarter. The pass rush needs to keep churning, and Mesidor will be important to making it happen as the weeks progress.
Front office under fire
The frustration isn't just on the coaching. General manager Joe Hortiz's signings don't look promising right now. The free-agent additions, with $100 million in cap space this offseason, have failed to make an impact, leaving many to wonder if this depth chart is truly better than last year's.
- OL Tyler Biadasz: Out for the season
- TE: Charlie Kolar: Placed on injured reserve
- OL Kayode Awosika: Expected to miss time with an injury
- RB Keaton Mitchell: 3.7 yards per carry, 1 catch
- OL Cole Strange: Ranked 66th out of 69 guards, per PFF
- FB Alec Ingold: Has been ineffective in his role
- TE David Njoku: Placed on injured reserve
- DL Dalvin Tomlinson: Expected to miss time with an injury
Jeremiah Smith, you're a Charger
Sitting at 0-2 after the easiest stretch of the schedule, things aren't looking up for the Chargers, who face a gauntlet over the next seven weeks. If this season truly burns to the ground, at least the draft lottery is real. And Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith would look absolutely incredible in the powder blue next season. A true alpha receiver is exactly what Herbert deserves.
220 days until Jeremiah Smith is a charger pic.twitter.com/z6rd09URHC
— 𝒥𝐸𝑅𝐸𝑀𝒴⚡️ (@JBBolts) September 21, 2026
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 10 random thoughts from the Chargers' loss to the Raiders in Week 2
