Harbaugh Backs Herbert and Ownership as Chargers Slump to 0-5

Standing Together After Rough Start

The Los Angeles Chargers have stumbled to an 0-5 start for the first time since 2003. Counting the end of last season, the team has dropped eight consecutive games. That marks the longest losing streak of Jim Harbaugh's head coaching career at any level.

Harbaugh made it clear on Monday that the front office remains fully behind him. When asked about pressure from ownership, he stated that John, Dean, and Susie Spanos are right by his side. Harbaugh noted that he and the entire Spanos family are shoulder to shoulder in this fight together. He added that he is hell bent on reversing the slide and getting the group back to winning ways.

Injuries and Costly Mistakes Mount

The slump has been tough to swallow after back to back 11-6 campaigns. Much of the trouble traces to mounting injuries across the offense. Four rookies started on the offensive line during Sunday's 23-17 loss to Denver. Tackle Joe Alt is still having tests on a neck injury, while left guard Kayode Awosika is rehabbing a fibula injury.

The wide receiver corps is equally battered. Ladd McConkey dressed for Denver after missing practice with a foot injury, but he never took the field. Tre' Harris suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday and is now week to week. Quentin Johnston is dealing with a chest issue, while Brenen Thompson has a quadricep problem.

Harbaugh also took blame for a fourth down call against Denver that surrendered momentum. Five plays later, the Broncos tied the game. Quarterback Justin Herbert struggled down the stretch, throwing an interception and losing a fumble. Herbert now leads the league with eight interceptions, but Harbaugh voiced total faith in his quarterback.

What it means for the next game

The Chargers head on the road to face the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, October 18. Los Angeles enters the matchup looking for its first win of the season against a divisional powerhouse.

Kansas City Chiefs win 76%, Los Angeles Chargers win 24%; projected score Kansas City Chiefs 24, Los Angeles Chargers 17. Our safest pick: Under 49.5 points.