Chargers' offensive nightmare continues as Jim Harbaugh's team falls to 0-7

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — For the second straight game, the Los Angeles Chargers failed to score an offensive touchdown, resulting in their seventh consecutive loss.

A 24-9 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams dropped the Chargers to 0-7, with the offense managing just 15 points over the last two games combined.

That is where Jim Harbaugh's Chargers find themselves eight weeks into the season, still searching for answers.

Even though Harbaugh insists they know what the problems are.

“We're aware of the issues are and we're the only ones who can fix them,” Harbaugh said multiple times Sunday.

The worst part is that the Chargers had a bye week to try to “fix” their offense, yet it looks like the same unit that left Kansas City two weeks ago.

Quarterback Justin Herbert threw two questionable interceptions, the Chargers couldn't run the ball consistently, and receivers struggled to get open. Having Joe Alt back at left tackle and Travis Burke at right tackle helped, but the interior offensive line remains a mess.

The Chargers have now gone nine consecutive quarters without an offensive touchdown. This was an offense that showed so much promise during the offseason, especially with the pairing of Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, which was supposed to take the quarterback to the “next level.”

Instead, Herbert leads the league with 10 interceptions, having thrown at least one in every game this season and two in three different games. He has just five passing touchdowns compared to those 10 interceptions.

“Aware of that,” Harbaugh said. “Keep working, keep studying, and it's not a familiar position for any of the guys in our locker room. So we're the only ones who can change it, and we are highly motivated and dedicated to do that.”

The Chargers' first two offensive drives produced a combined zero yards, with both possessions ending in three-and-outs.

Meanwhile, on the third play of the Rams' opening offensive series, Matthew Stafford threw a pass near the sideline intended for receiver Konata Mumpfield. However, cornerback Tarheeb Still read Stafford all the way, jumped the route and intercepted the pass, setting up the Chargers at the Rams' 47-yard line.

Jon Bryan – The Sporting Tribune

The Los Angeles Chargers Tarheeb Still (4) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against The Los Angeles Rams on November 1st, 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California

The Chargers couldn't capitalize.

On their third offensive possession, Herbert attempted a pass on third-and-5 intended for tight end Charlie Kolar, but Rams safety Quentin Lake jumped the route and intercepted it. Lake returned the ball to the Chargers' 19-yard line.

It was Herbert's ninth interception of the season, continuing a troubling streak of throwing at least one in every game.

The Chargers' defense limited the Rams to just eight yards, forcing new kicker Brandon McManus to attempt a 30-yard field goal. He converted to give Los Angeles a 3-0 lead.

Herbert bounced back on the following possession.

Facing first-and-10 from his own 35-yard line, Herbert evaded two defenders before completing a pass to the returning Ladd McConkey, who turned upfield for a 30-yard gain. The drive eventually stalled, and Cameron Dicker connected on a 34-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.

The Rams quickly returned the ball to Herbert after going three-and-out.

Herbert opened the ensuing 11-play drive with a 21-yard completion to Quentin Johnston, followed by a 15-yard pass to Oronde Gadsden on third-and-7 from the Rams' 45-yard line.

The Chargers eventually faced fourth-and-2 from the Rams' 22-yard line at the two-minute warning.

Herbert, McConkey and McDaniel met near the 40-yard line for approximately two minutes to discuss the play. When the offense returned to the field, the Chargers attempted to draw the Rams offside but ultimately decided against going for it.

Instead, Dicker connected on a 41-yard field goal to give the Chargers a 6-3 lead.

“I felt like our offense was getting into a rhythm and had those three drives,” Harbaugh said. “They didn't end in scores, and then we gave up the two touchdowns during the middle eight.”

After managing just 14 yards through their first five possessions, the Rams' offense finally woke up just before halftime.

Stafford had 1:50 to work with and, on the second play of the drive, connected with receiver Tutu Atwell for a 40-yard gain.

Two plays later, Stafford found Puka Nacua on a slant that appeared destined for the end zone, but safety Tony Jefferson stopped him one yard short.

It wouldn't matter.

Running back Kyren Williams punched it in from one yard out to give the Rams a 10-6 lead.

It was a five-play, 66-yard touchdown drive that provided a glimpse of what was to come after an otherwise sluggish first half.

The Rams carried that momentum into the second half.

Facing first-and-15 from their own 32-yard line, running back Blake Corum took a handoff, knocked Elijah Molden to the ground and gained 13 yards.

Stafford then connected with Nacua on back-to-back 12-yard receptions, moving the Rams to the Chargers' 23-yard line.

On the next play, Corum took the handoff and raced untouched for a 23-yard touchdown, extending the Rams' lead to 17-6.

After the teams exchanged punts, Herbert faced first-and-10 from his own 37-yard line.

He dropped back and attempted to squeeze a pass to Kolar, but Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie was waiting. McDuffie intercepted the pass and returned it to the Chargers' 22-yard line.

Herbert's 10th interception of the season proved costly.

Two plays later, Stafford connected with Nacua on a screen pass that turned into an 18-yard touchdown, putting the game out of reach at 24-6.

Jon Bryan – The Sporting Tribune

The Los Angeles Rams Puka Nacua (12) runs in for a touchdown during an NFL football game against The Los Angeles Chargers on November 1st, 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California

The Chargers' offense had once again failed to reach the end zone, and their seventh consecutive loss was all but secured.

At 0-7, the mountain appears too steep to climb. So where do the Chargers go from here?

For starters, it might be time to let Khalil Mack pursue a Super Bowl elsewhere.

“You’ve got to be where your feet are man, ultimately,” Mack said. “That can be the most difficult thing when you’re dealing with a lot of outside noise and stuff. Just trying to be where your feet are at all times. That’s kind of been my thing in years past.”

As for the rest of the team, the time to make a change at offensive coordinator was during the bye week, but Harbaugh chose not to do it.

The Chargers still can't consistently protect their quarterback, and Herbert is turning the ball over at a rate never before seen in his seven-year career.

“That's my brother, man,” Mack said of his quarterback. “My brother, I love him. Yeah, man. Ups and downs, you know what I'm saying? Good and bad. I got his back.”

Following the game, Harbaugh once again said the coaching staff would review the film and make its evaluations.

It is the same message he has delivered for weeks, yet the results remain unchanged.

The Chargers continue to rank near the bottom of the league in points scored, their offense remains ineffective, and their franchise quarterback is enduring one of the most difficult stretches of his career.

Harbaugh believes the Chargers can still turn things around.

But at 0-7, with another game passing without an offensive touchdown, it is becoming increasingly difficult to believe that meaningful changes are coming.

And even if they do, it might already be too little, too late.