Chargers fall to 0-7 after Rams victory in Inglewood

The Los Angeles Chargers lost their seventh straight game on Sunday, falling to the Los Angeles Rams 24-9 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The defeat extends a losing streak that began at the end of the previous season, dropping the Chargers' overall record to 0-7 on the year. It marks the lowest point for the franchise in recent memory, with the team now winless in the league.

Quarterback Justin Herbert threw for a season-high 257 yards but also recorded his ninth and tenth interceptions of the season. Those picks are the most in the National Football League. Herbert has not led a touchdown drive for two consecutive games. The Chargers have been without a scoring run or pass for nine straight quarters, a drought that started during a loss to the Denver Broncos on Oct. 11. The offense managed only three field goals from kicker Cameron Dicker on Sunday.

The Chargers were held scoreless after the break. They have been outscored 83-54 in the second halves of games this season. In the fourth quarters specifically, the deficit is 63-13. Coach Jim Harbaugh cited the inability to finish drives as a primary issue. He noted that the team lost control during the middle eight minutes of the game, allowing the Rams to score on the final drive before halftime and on the first possession of the second half.

Harbaugh confirmed that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will continue to call plays. McDaniel did not speak to reporters after the game, as his regular media session is scheduled for Thursday. Harbaugh said the staff would review film to address issues and improve performance. He described the team as highly motivated to correct their mistakes. Harbaugh emphasized that the players have the sole opportunity to fix the situation.

The team had a full bye week to prepare for this contest. That rest was intended to help the offense regain form after the team became the last winless squad in the league. Despite the extra time, the Chargers could not stop the slide. The next opportunity to change the record arrives Sunday against the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium.

The schedule continues with a road trip to Baltimore to face the Ravens on Nov. 16. The Chargers will then return home to host the New York Jets on Nov. 22. The NFL trade deadline is set for Nov. 10. While a major sell-off is not expected, veteran players may draw interest from teams preparing for the final stretch of the season.

Outside linebacker Khalil Mack addressed questions about potential transactions before the deadline. He stated that he remains focused on the current task. Mack, a 13-year veteran and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, said he tries to ignore outside noise. He also defended Herbert, noting their personal relationship. Mack said he has Herbert's back through the highs and lows of the season.

The Rams capitalized on the Chargers' struggles. Quarterback Matthew Stafford directed touchdown drives on three of his four possessions. The first of those scores came during a two-minute drill before halftime. The Chargers' defense held Stafford for most of the contest but could not prevent the final result.