Dousing the spark from a 3-0 start, the Los Angeles Chargers suffered a tough loss again. This time to the Washington Commanders. However, the back-to-back losses haven’t wavered the head coach Jim Harbaugh’s faith in the O-line. But he also didn’t appear hesitant if better opportunities surfaced.

During the press conference, the head coach was asked about the O-line as well as the center, Bradley Bozeman. “Yeah, that was an MA by Brad,” Jim Harbaugh said. “By the center. obvious assignment.”

When asked if the player continues to make more serious mistakes, Harbaugh seemed to have a clear vision. “When we feel that there is another player that can play better.” It seems the Chargers will keep relying on Bozeman, who has allowed 10 pressures in just 4 games. However, if they get someone who is not allowing the penalties, and plays well at the same time. Why not go for another player?

But OC Greg Roman explained that the center is “playing pretty good.” Bradley is ranked the 27th-best center in the league by PFF. But Jim Harbaugh’s comment is not a surprise. The struggles on the offensive line were visible after a slip-up by Bozeman, who left a defender wide open to sack quarterback Justin Herbert and ruin the drive.

Bradley Bozeman has stayed healthy all season, but his play has been rough, like some of the worst center performances in the NFL. What’s made things worse for Chargers fans is offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s refusal to acknowledge it. Despite Bozeman’s constant struggles, Roman keeps defending him, which only fuels frustration.

Sure, Roman’s point about Bozeman’s experience holds some weight. He’s a seven-year vet who understands the system well, especially with younger linemen around him. But the Chargers do have another veteran in Andre James sitting on the bench, someone who’s handled the starting role before. Whether he’d be an upgrade or not is uncertain, but fans just want some honesty from the staff about how poor the offensive line has really been. And yes, not just Bradley, there were mistakes by other players, too.

Trailing 17-10, the Chargers were desperate to find a spark and even the score. But things unraveled fast. Linebacker Marlowe Wax was flagged for roughing the kicker, while right tackle Trey Pipkins III drew a holding penalty. That happened when Herbert was sacked on first down, setting up a tough second-and-19. He then fired a 23-yard completion wiped out by a holding call on Pipkins.

Moments later, Herbert delivered again with a 31-yard strike, only for it to vanish after Pipkins was flagged for lining up in the backfield. Two big plays, both erased by penalties, killed any rhythm the offense tried to build. Ladd McConkey summed it up best: those mistakes are usually a “drive killer,” and everyone knows they’ve got to be sharper next time out. The Chargers racked up 10 penalties for 85 yards and three turnovers. That came on the heels of last week’s 14 penalties for 107 yards in a loss to the winless New York Giants.

“I think it’s out of character,” Herbert said of the penalties. “I think it is just on us to focus in and dial in. Every play is equally important, and we just have to limit those penalties.”

After committing just 17 penalties in the first three weeks, tying for the third fewest in the NFL, the Chargers have racked up 24 penalties in the last two games, which is the most any Harbaugh-coached NFL team has had in two weeks. Harbaugh believes these mistakes can be corrected if the players are focused.

On the other hand, safety Derwin James Jr. believes the nagging injury has been an issue, which saw unexpected players take up starting roles. “It’s guys in and out, man,” James said. “I don’t like to make excuses, man. Whether it’s offensive linemen coming in, a new corner, whatever it is coming in, we all need to be on the same page.”

Speaking of injuries, Pipkins was seen heading to the blue tent with an ankle injury in the game. Guard Mekhi Becton also sustained a hand injury, while left tackle Joe Alt suffered a high ankle sprain a week before the game. The latest one is running back Omarion Hampton.

Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers are concerned for Omarion Hampton

Harbaugh’s squad might be in a tough spot right now after Hampton’s injury. He was spotted wearing a boot on his left ankle, and as per Ian Rapoport, he’s dealing with a sprain that could keep him sidelined for a while.

If he does end up missing time, it would be the Chargers’ second major loss at running back, with running back Najee Harris already out for the season due to a torn Achilles.

That leaves the team with Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal, and Amar Johnson, though Vidal and Johnson are currently on the practice squad. But given the circumstances, Vidal might be expected to be bumped up to the 53-man roster soon.

There’s also some buzz that the Chargers could be exploring options to bring in another back. One name floating around is New Orleans Saints player Alvin Kamara, who could offer the kind of leadership the team needs. Still, nothing’s confirmed yet.