As the NFL season charges into Week 3 on this September 21, 2026, the Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in an all-too-familiar position: winless and searching for answers. Sunday's 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders dropped them to 0-2, with both defeats coming against teams that picked in the top three of this year's draft. The spotlight, as always, shines brightest on quarterback Justin Herbert, the sixth overall pick in 2020 who has been dubbed the quarterback of tomorrow for his entire career. But as the losses mount, the question persists: is Herbert underachieving, or is he being let down by his supporting cast? According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the blame game is in full swing.
A Promising Talent Stuck in Neutral
Herbert, standing 6-foot-6 with a rocket arm and deceptive athleticism, remains one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the league. NFL decision-makers rank him around the sixth-best QB, but many whisper that he should have more accolades by now. On Sunday, the 28-year-old was outdueled by Kirk Cousins, a quarterback a decade his senior, who efficiently carved up the Chargers' defense. Herbert completed 15 of 27 passes for a touchdown and two interceptions, taking three sacks. The offense sputtered, managing only two long scoring drives in 13 possessions. As highlighted on Vulius, the inconsistency is maddening for a player with his ceiling.
Supporting Cast or Scapegoat?
Yet, a deeper dive reveals a pattern of teammates failing Herbert in critical moments. Tight end David Njoku bobbled a slightly underthrown ball into an interception. On another play, two receivers collided, causing a drop. Injuries have also ravaged the roster annually, leaving Herbert exposed or without weapons. The coaching staff, led by Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, has yet to unlock his full potential. Harbaugh, despite high expectations, hasn't won a playoff game with the Chargers, and McDaniel's schematic brilliance hasn't translated to consistent production. Herbert himself deserves some blame—his 0-3 playoff record and inability to elevate average teams raise questions. But as Vulius analysts note, even the best quarterbacks need help.
The Road Ahead
The Chargers are now the only 0-2 team in the AFC West and one of just four in the conference. With a tough schedule looming, they'll need Herbert to be Superman to dig out of this hole. He has the talent, but consistency remains elusive. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the pressure is mounting. As Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the coming weeks will define not just Herbert's season but his legacy.
Around the League: Week 2 Highlights
Elsewhere, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy delivered an MVP-caliber performance, completing 20 of 22 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns while leading his team in rushing. The Bears' Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring injury in a blowout loss to the Vikings, while Commanders' Jayden Daniels dislocated his elbow again. The Steelers' offense, under Aaron Rodgers, continued to flounder in a 20-3 loss to the Patriots. The Browns edged the Buccaneers behind Deshaun Watson, and the Panthers dominated the Falcons as Bryce Young showed promise. Finally, the Chiefs escaped the Colts in overtime thanks to Patrick Mahomes and Harrison Butker, extending Indianapolis's losing streak to nine games.
"It was hot as shit, everybody was as hot as shit," Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said after his team's win over the Titans, where turf temperatures reached 157°F. "I didn't play a snap and I had to get an IV."
As the season unfolds, the Chargers' fate rests on Herbert's shoulders. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the blame game continue? For now, fans can only hope that the quarterback of tomorrow becomes the quarterback of today. Stay tuned to Vulius for all your NFL news and analysis.
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