The Chargers' offense has been abysmal in the opening weeks of the 2026 season. On the surface, the biggest reason is quarterback Justin Herbert.
By no means has Herbert done himself any favors. His play has been atrocious, and he looks like a shell of himself. Mike McDaniel was supposed to revolutionize the offense and Herbert; instead, that side of the ball looks lost and dormant.
Herbert's 10 turnovers through six games, including a league-high eight interceptions. The 28-year-old has thrown at least one interception in every game thus far.
"We've got to do a better job of not turning the ball over and not putting them in those positions," Herbert said.
"Got to hold onto the ball and not give it to the defense … know when to go down, when to throw
it away. That's just part of the job," Herbert added.
While Herbert must do a better job in taking care of the ball, that’s only less than half the problem.
The Chargers have endured major injuries to their offensive line and pass catchers. Four of the five Chargers offensive line starters are either on injured reserve or missing time with their respective injuries.
Rashawn Slater and Tyler Biadasz are on the IR. Slater is missing time with an ankle injury, while Biadasz is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Joe Alt has missed the last two games with a neck injury. Kayode Awosika is sidelined with a fibula injury. Alt and Awosika could be back for the Chargers' Week 8 contest against the Rams.
As for the pass catchers, they have been as unreliable as a unit can be. Injuries and limited production from the wide receivers and tight ends have contributed to Herbert’s lackluster play.
The pass catchers have totaled only 1,141 yards through six games. LA’s leader in receiving yards is Tre Harris with 225.
Ladd McConkey ranks second on the team with 200 receiving yards. Only four players, including Ladd McConkey and Harris, have hit triple-digit receiving yards this season.
This unit has lacked production in a major way, hurting the offense as a whole.
Has Herbert done his job? No.
But has he received the proper help this season to reach Herbert's ceiling? Also no.
Neither side has done enough, and it has played a major role in the Chargers' 0-6 start.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Justin Herbert's biggest problem goes beyond his interception total
