SEA
DEN
HOU
JAX
CHI
ATL
BAL
CLE
TEN
IND
NYJ
NE
NO
NYG
CAR
PHI
PIT
TB
ARI
LAR
LAC
KC
BUF
LV
DAL
GB
WAS
SFNewer update on Justin Herbert: Sam Darnold remains Seahawks starter for Week 7 vs. Chiefs
Jim Harbaugh Defends OC Mike McDaniel After Justin Herbert's Rough Start
Chargers coach praises Herbert's grit and backs McDaniel despite an 0-4 start and historic turnovers.
The Chargers are 0-4 after a 30-23 loss to the Seahawks, but coach Jim Harbaugh is standing firmly behind both quarterback Justin Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Herbert threw two interceptions, including one on the opening play, and lost a fumble, yet Harbaugh called it “one of the grittiest performances I’ve ever been associated with from a quarterback.”
What happened
Herbert and Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold made unwanted history by throwing interceptions on the first two plays from scrimmage. Herbert went on to lose a fumble on the final drive, ending any comeback hopes. Despite the three turnovers, he threw for over 150 yards and a touchdown in the second half, helping the Chargers cut a 27-6 deficit to one score.
Harbaugh faced pointed questions about why Herbert keeps taking hits. He acknowledged that the four sacks were a problem but said protecting Herbert “is always at the front of the mind.” He also dismissed any idea that McDaniel’s job is in jeopardy. “He’s a skilled coach, and we’re going to keep growing,” Harbaugh said, according to the Associated Press.
Context
Herbert’s 2026 season has been a struggle. Through four games, he has six interceptions and 12 sacks, making him the first Chargers quarterback with at least six picks and 10 sacks in the first four games since Ryan Leaf in 2000. His QBR is a career-worst 27.9, and he’s completing just 59.7% of his passes.
McDaniel, hired from Miami in the offseason, has taken responsibility for the offense’s issues. “I’m fully responsible,” he said via ESPN. “I spend zero time trying to avoid blame. It’s quite the opposite.” Herbert also defended his coach: “I think [McDaniel] is the greatest and I want to make him proud and do everything I can to pick up the offense and do exactly what he asks.”
What’s next
The Chargers host the Denver Broncos in Week 5, a divisional matchup that could be pivotal. Harbaugh said the team will keep fighting and growing, and he remains optimistic about Herbert’s leadership despite the 0-4 start.
🏈 Fantasy impact
Herbert’s fantasy outlook is dimming. He’s averaging only 12.6 PPR points per game through three weeks, and his Week 4 performance (13.7 PPR) offers little confidence. The Chargers’ offensive line is allowing heavy pressure, and Herbert is on pace for career-worst efficiency. Treat him as a low-end QB2 or bench stash in one-QB leagues until the offense shows signs of life. Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris are risky flex plays due to the passing game’s inconsistency. Seattle’s defense deserves credit for forcing turnovers, but the Chargers’ issues are systemic. Consider streaming other quarterbacks with better matchups.
Quick answers
Is Mike McDaniel's job in jeopardy?
No, according to Jim Harbaugh, who said his job is not in jeopardy and called him a skilled coach.
What is Justin Herbert's QBR this season?
Herbert's QBR is a career-worst 27.9 through four starts.
Sources
- The Chargers tried to refine Justin Herbert. They may have exposed him (The Athletic)
- Chargers-Seahawks Winners/Losers: A tale of 2 halves for Justin Herbert (Yahoo Sports)
- Jim Harbaugh defends Mike McDaniel despite 0-4 start, Justin Herbert earns ugly Chargers honor (CBS Sports)
- Jim Harbaugh: Justin Herbert had one of the grittiest performances I've seen on Sunday (Yahoo Sports)
- Jim Harbaugh: Justin Herbert had one of the grittiest performances I've seen on Sunday (NBC Sports / ProFootballTalk)
This article was drafted by AI from the sources above and published after every claim passed an automatic check against those sources. Our editor monitors stories and corrects errors. How we work · Report an error