Chargers Face Offensive Scrutiny After 0-4 Start

The Los Angeles Chargers are facing questions over their offense after an 0-4 start to the 2026 season, with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel under scrutiny following a 30-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and continued struggles in Los Angeles.

According to ESPN's Kris Rhim, the Chargers rank 28th in points per game and 31st in offensive efficiency, while Justin Herbert has the league's second-worst QBR. The team has scored 16 or fewer points in three of four games and ranks No. 29 in scoring at 16.8 points per game, according to Pro Football Network.

McDaniel addressed criticism about his position after the slow start and acknowledged accountability comes with the role.

"I know, particularly in this league, especially in the first block, you're going to be held accountable," McDaniels said, according to the reports.

"When you have high expectations, and you're getting the results we're getting, and you're 0-4, that's pretty standard operating procedure, as I've seen in the National Football League in my experience." McDaniels added.

McDaniel said the offensive results, rather than outside discussion, would determine how the situation changes.

"In that I would be foolish, or I'd feel entitled, if I didn't expect there to be disappointment that comes with the territory of the job…If you want things to change and want the narrative to change, you have to change them through action…If our results are better, then that's the only thing that matters, so it's pretty easy for me to focus on what I need to focus on. I don't expect to get praise through failure," McDaniels said.

The coordinator also pushed back on judging Herbert and the offense after only four games in a new system with new coaches and players.

"It would probably be an inaccurate wholesale assessment of Justin Herbert four games into a new system with new coaches, new players," McDaniel said.

"Fortunately, we have plenty of opportunities to change whatever narratives exist because this is just in: Narratives in the first quarter of the season are generally about 40% right, good or bad," McDaniel said.

Criticism also came from Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter, who questioned whether McDaniel's offensive changes had produced the expected results.

"Mike McDaniel’s the one who brought this offense, in that he’s going to revamp what the Chargers are doing. Nothing’s happened. Their offense looks nothing like the offense that I saw in Miami," Carter said.

Carter continued his criticism by comparing the Chargers system with McDaniel's previous offensive work.

"So I wonder what he is teaching. Is he trying to teach Harbaugh stuff? Because that’s not what they were doing," Carter said.

Carter also referenced the passing concepts associated with McDaniel's previous teams while discussing the Chargers offense.

"Those in-breaking routes, those quick throws, and everything they were doing in Miami when people were scared. Didn’t Miami score or 50 points on someone?" Carter said.

The Chargers have also dealt with injuries to receivers Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey. The team recorded nine fumbles, lost four of them, and had 10 turnovers through four games, tied with the New England Patriots according to Pro Football Network.

McDaniel said he understood that poor results would bring criticism from fans and observers.

"I have about zero percent entitlement. You’re going to be held accountable," McDaniel said.

"That comes with the territory of the job…it’s pretty easy for me to focus on what I need to focus on," McDaniel said.

McDaniel's previous success in Miami increased expectations after he joined the Chargers, but Los Angeles has struggled to recreate that production during the opening weeks of the season.

"When you have high expectations, and you're getting the results we're getting, and you're 0-4, that's pretty standard operating procedure. I would be foolish, or I would feel entitled, if I didn't expect there to be disappointment," McDaniel said.