Chargers news: Jim Harbaugh defends Justin Herbert amid media firestorm

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When an NFL team gets caught in an unexpected slump, much of the attention quickly shifts toward the quarterback. After a frustrating opening to the 2026 NFL season, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has come under significant media scrutiny. However, head coach Jim Harbaugh made it clear that he remains firmly behind his star quarterback.

Harbaugh recently defended the Chargers star quarterback against the growing media criticism by pointing toward the quarterback’s rare arm talent and the difficult throws he can make even under the pressure of an NFL game.

“Let’s not forget there were six throws in that game that I could have never made in my life in practice. I could have tried a hundred times and not done it one out of a hundred. And he did it in an NFL game,” Harbaugh said, via Kris Rhim of ESPN.

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The criticism surrounding the Chargers has not emerged without reason. Their offense has struggled significantly through the first three games of the season. Los Angeles ranks 29th in scoring at 14.7 points per game, 20th in passing at 195.7 yards per game, and 20th in total offense at 308.7 yards per game.

One of the most notable setbacks came against the Buffalo Bills, when the Chargers suffered a loss despite their defense forcing five turnovers. The result added to the frustration surrounding an offense that has struggled to consistently capitalize on opportunities.

Since taking over as the Chargers’ head coach in 2024, Harbaugh has consistently avoided publicly criticizing his star quarterback. However, Herbert’s performances so far this season have understandably frustrated some fans.

Through those first three games, Herbert is 52-of-88 for 627 passing yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions.

Now, Herbert and the Chargers’ next opportunity to turn things around will come in Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks.

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