# Chargers offense in crisis

> Chargers offense struggles after two losses
- Title: Chargers offense in crisis · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Chargers offense struggles after two losses Chargers offense needs quick fixes to avoid collapse chargers, nfl, justin herbert · reported by CBS Sports.
- Keywords: chargers, nfl, justin herbert, mike mcdaniel, offensive line, los angeles, seahawks, bills, chiefs, raiders, cleveland browns, epa drive
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-2026-how-to-fix-chargers-offense
- Published: 2026-09-25T12:20:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chargers, nfl, justin herbert, mike mcdaniel, offensive line, los angeles, seahawks, bills, chiefs, raiders, cleveland browns, epa drive
## Chargers start 0-2
Chargers lost first two games to Cardinals and Raiders

> Two games in, and it looks like the Chargers might be circling the cycle of futility
## Offensive disaster
Chargers have worst EPA/drive and lowest points per drive

> Their -0.78 EPA/drive is the seventh worst in the league
## Penalty chaos
Chargers lead NFL in penalties per snap

> They have the second-highest rate of penalties per offensive snap
## Fumbles galore
Chargers tied with Packers for most fumbles

> They're tied with the Green Bay Packers for the lead in fumbles
## Herbert's struggles
Herbert throws 42.9% of passes in intermediate zone

> Only 42.9% of Herbert's passes have been in the intermediate middle of the field
## Receiving issues
Ladd McConkey injured, no reliable middle target

> The best receiver in the middle is Ladd McConkey, playing through a rib injury
## Offensive line collapse
Chargers offensive line averages 0.51 yards before contact

> They average 0.51 yards before contact per carry, 29th in the NFL
## Outside zone failure
Chargers rush success rate on outside zone is 19.0%

> They have a 19.0% rushing success rate on outside zone runs, tied with the Saints for 27th
## Herbert's hero mode
Herbert pulls ball before throwing when receivers open

> Herbert opts to pull the ball before giving the play a chance to develop
## Free agent mistakes
Chargers signed weak offensive line players

> Kolar and Ingold haven't been good enough in the run game
## Chargers' cap space
Chargers had second most cap space in NFL

> Los Angeles had the second-most cap space in the NFL this offseason
## Fixable problems
Chargers need to improve timing and coordination

> The offense looks like 11 guys that have never played football together
## What's next
Chargers face tough schedule with Bills, Seahawks, Chiefs

> They have road games against the Bills, Seahawks, and Chiefs
## Herbert's role
Herbert needs better support to succeed

> Herbert is making life harder on himself by not trusting his surroundings
## Offensive line fix
Chargers need new offensive line players

> The interior offensive line group has sunk this team
## Receiving room
Chargers need reliable middle target

> The best receiver in the middle is Ladd McConkey, but he's injured
## Key takeaway

Chargers offense needs quick fixes to avoid collapse