Preseason Struggles Signal Urgent Wake-Up Call for Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh

The Los Angeles Chargers’ preseason has been marred by inept quarterback play, raising serious concerns for new head coach Jim Harbaugh as the regular season approaches. Despite the excitement surrounding Harbaugh’s arrival, the team’s offensive struggles, particularly at the quarterback position, have served as a stark reminder of the fragility of an NFL season without reliable depth behind the starting quarterback.

In their first two preseason games, the Chargers have yet to score a touchdown, largely due to the underwhelming performances of backup quarterback Easton Stick. During the Chargers’ recent 13-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Stick’s performance was plagued by a series of mistakes, including a fumble on the 1-yard line and an interception near the red zone. These errors highlighted the team’s need for a more competent backup, especially with starting quarterback Justin Herbert sidelined due to a plantar fascia injury.

Stick, who has been with the Chargers since being drafted in 2019, has struggled to step up in Herbert’s absence. His preseason woes follow a disappointing end to last season, where he went 0-4 in four starts after Herbert’s season-ending injury. Despite his efforts to improve, Stick has been outplayed by recently signed quarterback Luis Perez, further complicating Harbaugh’s decision-making process.

Harbaugh, while acknowledging Stick’s struggles, remains focused on improving the team’s offensive execution. “We just got to get out of our own way a little bit. Obviously, it starts with me being just cleaner,” Stick admitted. Harbaugh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of controlling the controllables, particularly in high-stakes situations like the red zone.

The Chargers’ lack of a reliable backup quarterback has become increasingly evident, and Harbaugh’s refusal to consider signing his former quarterback Colin Kaepernick only adds to the team’s predicament. Kaepernick, who hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016, might still be a better option than the current backups on the roster, but Harbaugh has dismissed this possibility.

The good news for the Chargers is that Herbert is on track to return before the regular season begins. He was seen out of his walking boot and throwing passes on the sideline during the preseason game against the Rams, giving hope that he will be ready to lead the team when the games start to count. However, the Chargers’ season hinges on keeping Herbert healthy, as the team’s success under Harbaugh could quickly unravel if Herbert misses significant time.

Harbaugh’s first season as head coach is off to a shaky start, and the preseason struggles should serve as a wake-up call. If the Chargers fail to address their quarterback depth, they risk derailing their season before it even begins.