Amid the Chargers' first 0-5 start since 2003, coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that he and the team's ownership group are "in this fight together" to turn the season around. Asked whether he feels pressure from ownership, Harbaugh pointed to John Spanos, Dean Spanos, Susie Spanos and the whole Spanos family, saying, "It's shoulder to shoulder where we're in this fight together." He said he is "hell bent" on reversing course and returning to winning ways. The team faltered after back-to-back 11-6 seasons.
Harbaugh's experience as a 14-year NFL player gives him perspective on a poor stretch. During his final season as a player, he was with the then-San Diego Chargers, who went 1-15 after an 0-5 start. His message to the locker room was simple: "Keep fighting. Keep being a leader. Keep being a competitor." As coach, however, this is uncharted territory. The Chargers have lost eight straight games dating back to last season, the longest losing streak of Harbaugh's head-coaching career, college or professional, according to ESPN Research.
Injuries continue to hamper the roster, particularly on the offensive line and at wide receiver. Tackle Joe Alt is still undergoing testing for a neck injury, and left guard Kayode Awosika (fibula) is rehabbing. Four rookies started on the line against Denver. Wide receiver Tre' Harris suffered a hamstring injury and is week-to-week.
Harbaugh took responsibility for Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Broncos, blaming a fourth-and-1 call in the fourth quarter. "I regret that. I'm even sorry about that," he said. Quarterback Justin Herbert, who leads the league with eight interceptions, also struggled, and Harbaugh backed him as the team looks to salvage the season.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing