Justin Herbert’s difficult start to the 2026 NFL season has intensified scrutiny around the Los Angeles Chargers after another disappointing home defeat left the team 0-2.
The Chargers lost 26-14 to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, with Herbert completing 15 of 27 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was also sacked three times as Los Angeles struggled to sustain its offense for long periods.
The defeat followed an identical 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the opening week, leaving the Chargers without a win despite entering the season with expectations of competing strongly in the AFC.
Herbert’s performance has become a major talking point because of the high expectations surrounding the 28-year-old quarterback. He possesses one of the league’s strongest arms and has produced impressive statistical seasons since entering the NFL, but the Chargers have yet to turn that production into consistent postseason success.
The team also committed six fumbles against the Raiders, losing one, while Herbert’s two interceptions contributed to three total turnovers. Several penalties and missed opportunities further disrupted the offense.
The Chargers brought in Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator during the offseason in an effort to reshape the attack around Herbert. However, the new system has yet to produce the expected improvement after two games.
Herbert acknowledged the frustration after the defeat but said the team remained united and focused on correcting its mistakes.
The challenge now becomes greater. Los Angeles faces the Buffalo Bills next, followed by games against Seattle, Denver, Kansas City and the Los Angeles Rams.
With the Chargers already two games behind their expected pace, Herbert and the revamped offense face an early test of their ability to respond.
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