Jim Harbaugh directed sharper criticism at quarterback Justin Herbert after the Los Angeles Chargers remained winless with a 24-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Harbaugh said the offense needs more from Herbert as the team works to correct its early-season problems.
“Be better. Be better,” Harbaugh said of Herbert’s performance. He added that the demand for improvement affects Herbert, the quarterback’s position coach, offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and the rest of the team.
Herbert has started each of the Chargers’ games and has thrown at least one interception in every one. Through three games with McDaniel overseeing the offense, Herbert’s QBR is 27.4, which ranks 29th in the league, while his completion rate is 59.1%, a career low.
Los Angeles scored 16 points against Buffalo. Three dropped passes erased potential gains, and five penalties during the third quarter disrupted the offense. Herbert’s only interception came in the end zone and ended a red-zone opportunity. The Chargers’ defense had forced five turnovers in its previous game, according to the report.
Herbert said he did not know why the offense has struggled. He said the team must determine the cause, continue following its coaches’ direction and work together to correct the problems.
