From Los Angeles Chargers On SI · · 2m
Harbaugh regrets preseason plan after Chargers' messy opener
The Chargers looked unprepared in their season-opening loss, and their head coach admits he made a mistake.
In brief
The Chargers looked unprepared in their season-opening loss, and their head coach admits he made a mistake. Limited preseason reps left the Chargers unprepared for Mike McDaniel's complex offense, leading to penalties and miscommunication in their opening loss. Originally reported by Los Angeles Chargers On SI.
Chargers lose opener badly
The Chargers dropped their season opener to Arizona and potentially lost their best offensive weapon. Worse than the loss was how unprepared they looked.
High hopes for new offense
The opener was supposed to showcase Mike McDaniel's revamped offense with Justin Herbert slinging passes and Omarion Hampton breaking out in year two.
Plan fell apart quickly
The offense showed early promise by answering Arizona's opening touchdown. Then Hampton fumbled after hitting his own blocker and everything unraveled.
“Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
Defense stayed on field forever
Arizona dominated time of possession 37.5 minutes to 22.5. The Chargers defense couldn't get off the field.
Special teams disaster
The loss featured miscues, procedural penalties, and awful special teams. A blocked punt near their own goalpost and league-worst kick returns highlighted the mess.
Starters barely played preseason
The starting offense had only a handful of preseason snaps together. Cole Strange led with just 13 total snaps, most others had fewer than seven.
Harbaugh admits his mistake
Harbaugh expressed regret about his preseason approach. He said he now wishes he'd played the starters more to get them ready.
“Now, in retrospect, wish we played our guys a little more in the preseason and give them those reps.”
McDaniel's offense needs time
McDaniel's system is very complex with lots of moving parts. It requires significant time on task to master.
Penalties showed lack of mastery
Procedural penalties were the clearest sign the offense hasn't been mastered. They came when players got tired in their first real game action.
The infamous Herbert sack
Two free rushers hit Herbert instantly on one play. Former NFL players Jason Kelce and Geoff Schwartz explained it wasn't the offensive line's fault.
Line did its job correctly
Schwartz broke down the protection scheme and showed the line blocked correctly. Herbert was supposed to hit the hot receiver instantly to avoid pressure.
Hot receiver ran wrong route
Tre Harris broke in toward the linebacker instead of breaking out. Herbert had nowhere to throw and held the ball rather than risk a bad throw.
Must fix it immediately
The Chargers face the Raiders next and can't afford to fall 0-2. They're entering a historically challenging stretch of games.
What to remember
Limited preseason reps left the Chargers unprepared for Mike McDaniel's complex offense, leading to penalties and miscommunication in their opening loss.
