The Chargers lost to the Steelers in Week 3, 20-10.
After coming up short, let’s see what national analysts think of Los Angeles:
USA Today: 16 (Previous: 14)
“Bad week for Team Harbaugh. With QB Justin Herbert and both starting offensive tackles injured and S Derwin James now suspended, can the Bolts just opt for a two-week bye rather than host K.C. – to whom they’ve lost five in a row – this Sunday?”
NFL: 14 (Previous: 7)
“When the Chargers intercepted Justin Fields midway through the third quarter, it put them in position to take control of the game, similar to how they leaned on the Raiders late in the Week 1 victory. But the Bolts went three-and-out, with Justin Herbert leaving the game due to injury, and it was all Steelers after that. They scored 10 points on their next two drives and bled out the final five minutes of clock to seal it. Los Angeles obviously can’t afford to lose Herbert for an extended period of time, so it was good news that his ankle ailment turned out to be about as positive as it probably could have been. The problem is that three other key Chargers left the game with injuries: edge menace Joey Bosa and offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Taylor Heinicke was sacked three times in five dropbacks, which obviously isn’t a sustainable rate if he needs to step into the starting lineup for Herbert. It’s a bit of a scary time for the Chargers heading into a matchup with the Chiefs, but the early bye in Week 5 might end up being a blessing, allowing the Bolts to get their health in order.”
ESPN: 15 (Previous: 8)
Biggest issue on offense: Injuries to stars
Quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) and offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (MCL sprain) all left Sunday’s loss to the Steelers because of injuries. Those are perhaps the Chargers’ three most important offensive players, and without them, L.A. will have trouble running an effective offense. Herbert left in a walking boot, and receivers Joshua Palmer(elbow/calf) and DJ Chark Jr. (hip) are also nursing injuries that kept them out of Sunday’s loss. Now five Chargers offensive starters have lingering injuries heading into Week 4.
CBS Sports: 14 (Previous: 9)
“Losing Justin Herbert ended their chances against the Steelers. If he misses time with that ankle injury, they have major problems that their power offense can’t fix.”
Sports Illustrated: 15 (Previous: 12)
“I have no idea where to slot this team but it was instructive to see what happens to this iteration of a Jim Harbaugh team when they’re pushed back and unable to run the ball. Just 2.9 yards per carry for J.K. Dobbins meant that some of the buffer previously afforded to Justin Herbert evaporated. Without Herbert, this team quickly becomes extremely one-dimensional. Joe Alt was also knocked out in this one and will miss next week’s game against the Chiefs. I have a feeling that, during this eventual settling period, we will see Los Angeles find its home between Nos. 16 and 19 on this list with regularity.”
Bleacher Report: 14 (Previous: 13)
“…Jim Harbaugh has certainly put his stamp on this year’s Chargers team. While L.A. fell to 2-1 on Sunday, it continues to show that it’s going to play a tough, physical brand on both sides of the ball. It’s a formula that can make the Chargers competitive, regardless of the opponent or venue. However, injuries—which seem like a perennial issue in L.A.—are already a potential problem. Justin Herbert, Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and Joey Bosa all left with injuries against Pittsburgh, and if any of them miss significant time, the Chargers will be in trouble.”
