INGLEWOOD, Calif. – After suffering their second consecutive defeat, coach Jim Harbaugh insists that the Chargers are still a good American football team, although he acknowledges that they are making “uncommon” mistakes.
Harbaugh made these statements after the 27-10 defeat against the Washington Commanders. “I know we are capable of achieving it. I know we are a good team in those areas. We are not good at the moment, but yes, we will improve,” he added. The team accumulated ten penalties that cost them 85 yards on Sunday. In the previous week, they were penalized 14 times for 107 yards in the loss to the Giants, who have yet to win a game. These 24 penalties in two weeks are the most in a two-week span for a Harbaugh-led team in the NFL. The Chargers started Sunday’s game with a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, but the Commanders responded with 27 unanswered points. Many of the Chargers’ scoring attempts were thwarted by penalties. With the Chargers leading 10-7 and 50 seconds remaining in the second quarter, wide receiver Ladd McConkey made a kick return that led him to surpass two defenders, which caused jubilation in SoFi Stadium. However, the play was canceled due to a roughness penalty on the kicker against linebacker Marlowe Wax, who collided with kicker Tress Way. In the third quarter, with the Chargers losing 17-10 and on 2nd and 19, Herbert connected with receiver Qeuntin Johnston for a first down. The play was erased after right tackle Trey Pipkins was penalized for holding. On the next play, 2nd and 28, Herbert found wide receiver Keenan Allen for a 31-yard gain and a first down. The play was nullified due to an illegal formation penalty against Pipkins. L.A. had to punt the ball.We need to stop the bleeding of penalties and self-inflicted wounds.
Jim Harbaugh
I think it’s out of the ordinary. I think it’s just up to us to focus and make a difference. Every play is equally important, and we just have to limit those penalties.
HerbertHarbaugh expressed his confidence that these mistakes are correctable with greater concentration. In the first three weeks, the Chargers had only accumulated 17 penalties, the third-lowest amount in the NFL, but they have surpassed that total with 24 in the last two games. Safety Derwin James attributes some of L.A.’s errors to the team’s injury problems, which have forced different players to take on starting roles.On Sunday, injuries once again affected the Chargers’ offensive line, as Pipkins (knee) and right guard Mekhi Becton (hand) missed significant time during the game. Pipkins only played 23 plays, while Becton played 34 of a possible 65. Running back Omarion Hampton also left the game in the final quarter due to an ankle injury. The Chargers’ inability to protect Herbert has become a recurring theme this season, and that continued on Sunday with the injuries to Becton and Pipkins. L.A. recorded a pass protection win percentage of 39.1%, being the first team to record a percentage below 40% in consecutive games since the Patriots and Dolphins in Weeks 14-16 of the 2023 season. Despite this, Harbaugh stated that he believes the Chargers have the right players on the roster to protect Herbert.It’s people coming in and out, man. I don’t like to make excuses, man. Whether it’s offensive linemen coming in, a new cornerback, whatever comes in, we all need to be on the same page. And that’s probably why you see some of the things. But, man, just stick together. I’m not worried.
Derwin JamesWe need to improve. We are a good football team. [But] we are not good enough in some of the areas you need to win games, back to work.
Jim Harbaugh
