The Los Angeles Chargers walked into Sunday depleted, featuring star wide receiver Ladd McConkey ruled out. Now the Denver Broncos placed the Bolts in a new low point for the franchise. One that hasn't been seen in 23 years.
Sunday's 23-17 home loss at SoFi Stadium makes the Chargers 0-5 now, a first since the 2003 season. And this Bolts team once emerged as a closet AFC contender to start the season.
Coach Jim Harbaugh guided two immediate playoff appearances and reinstalled toughness into the franchise. He later sparked new intrigue by adding offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel following his firing from the Miami Dolphins.
But the Harbaugh/McDaniel partnership has drawn fierce criticism, with ESPN personality Field Yates describing it as a “smash mouth versus Ferrari” conflict with ClutchPoints. Once again the offense looked stagnant.
Quarterback Justin Herbert struggled to generate explosive moments on the field. Denver bottled him to 14-of-24 passing for 121 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Herbert needed to take off running six times, gaining 54 rushing yards there. Kimani Vidal led the Bolts with eight carries for 57 yards. But Omarion Hampton finished with hitting just 33 yards on 14 carries.
Article Continues BelowThe injury-ravaged Chargers lost one more star on the field. This time wide receiver Tre Harris exited with a hamstring injury. Harris left with two receptions for 16 yards. LAC never threatened Denver down the field anyway even before Harris left. Tight end Charlie Kolar settled for a team-high three receptions for 37 yards.
Finally, that 2003 Chargers team that started 0-5 ended up finishing 4-12 overall under the late Marty Schottenheimer.