Chargers fall to 0-7 after Rams dominate second half

The Los Angeles Chargers allowed 13 points in the fourth quarter while scoring none, a deficit that compounded an 83-54 season-long second-half scoring gap to end their game against the Los Angeles Rams with a 24-9 defeat on Sunday.

The loss marks the team's seventh straight defeat and its 10th loss when counting games dating back to the end of last season. This result leaves the Chargers as the only winless team in the National Football League. The team had just finished a bye week that provided two weeks of rest and preparation time following their drop to the bottom of the league standings.

Quarterback Justin Herbert threw for a season-high 257 yards in the contest but also recorded his ninth and 10th interceptions of the year, which leads the league. Herbert completed 24 of 32 passes against the Rams. Despite the high passing volume, the offense failed to reach the end zone for the second consecutive game. This extends a streak of nine straight quarters without a touchdown, a drought that began after a 42-yard run by Kimani Vidal in a late-third-quarter score during a 23-17 loss to the Denver Broncos on October 11.

The Chargers scored exclusively through field goals from Cameron Dicker in the loss. The offense was blanked after halftime. The team has been outscored by a combined 63-13 margin in fourth quarters this season. Herbert described the performance as difficult, stating that he felt for the defense and the team as a whole.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh identified the inability to finish drives with touchdowns and turnovers as the primary factors in the defeat. He noted that the Rams scored touchdowns both before halftime and on the opening drive of the second half. Harbaugh confirmed that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will retain his play-calling responsibilities. McDaniel was not available for media comments immediately after the game, with his next scheduled press conference set for Thursday.

Harbaugh emphasized that the team is highly motivated to review film and correct their issues. He stated that the group is dedicated to fixing their performance and that they possess the opportunity to change their trajectory. The Chargers face the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium next Sunday. They will then travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens on November 16 before hosting the New York Jets at home on November 22.

The November 10 trade deadline may influence roster changes, though a major sell-off is not expected. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack, a 13-year veteran and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, could attract interest from teams seeking to strengthen their rosters for the final stretch of the season. Mack downplayed the speculation about a potential trade before the deadline.

Mack advised staying focused on the current situation to manage outside noise. He defended Herbert, referring to him as a brother and stating that he has his back through the highs and lows. The Rams were able to control the game until quarterback Matthew Stafford directed touchdown drives on three of their final four possessions. Stafford started this sequence with a scoring drive during a two-minute drill before halftime.

The Chargers' previous opportunity to alter their record came after a full bye week designed to regroup. The team emerged from that break without a victory, extending their losing streak to seven games. The lack of a clear explanation for the offensive struggles persists, with key personnel offering general commitments to work rather than specific strategic shifts.

The next seven days will determine whether the team makes moves before the trade deadline or continues with its current personnel setup. The schedule ahead includes two home games and one road trip, providing multiple chances to address the 0-7 record. The defensive performance was cited by Herbert as a point of empathy, acknowledging the unit's efforts despite the overall loss.