Six weeks into the NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers are defying conventional football logic. Despite boasting marquee leadership at head coach and quarterback, the two franchises have combined for a dismal 2-10 start, leaving both teams with fewer wins at their shared stadium than the Arizona Cardinals.
The Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford-led Rams sit at 2-4, while Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert's Chargers have stumbled to an 0-6 record. According to NFL analyst analysis, elite leadership at the top two positions is generally expected to insulate a franchise from a total collapse, yet both L.A. teams are struggling heavily.
Where the Chargers Went Wrong
The Chargers feature the league's lowest-ranked offense, prompting sharp scrutiny of head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Justin Herbert's individual metrics have declined since Harbaugh's arrival in 2024, sliding from the top tier of expected points added (EPA) per pass play down to 32nd this season. Opposing coaches point to a complex offensive system laden with shifts and motions that may outpace the roster's current mental processing capabilities and a heavily injured offensive line that has regularly started multiple rookies.
Additionally, the Chargers rank 31st in cash spending this season. General manager Joe Hortiz's long-term sustainability approach meant the team bypassed affordable free-agent upgrades that could have provided immediate stability on the field.
As the Chargers enter their bye week, mounting offensive struggles could force Jim Harbaugh to weigh potential staff or schematic changes to salvage the remainder of their season.