The Chargers were having a great run before losing the week 4 game. First, the Giants defeated them by only 3 points, and now, they are defeated by the Commanders in week 5, losing with 10-27. Turnovers replaced touchdowns, and penalties replaced points. Post-game, it was clear that both the Chargers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh and QB Justin Herbert were disappointed with their mistakes.

“It’s out of character,” the quarterback said after the matchup. “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.” But the issue wasn’t limited to the penalties only.

The Chargers also had issues with formations and snaps. Herbert continued, “It’s stuff we have to fix, and, like we said earlier, it’s out of character. It’s on us to watch the film, get better from it, and continue to harp on those little details.” The penalties have become a headache for the Bolts. Here is a list of penalties in the 5 games.

See the difference here! Overall, it seems like they haven’t done that badly. But when they have lost more yards than their rivals, they have lost the game. With this, they have also lost the lead and stand at 3-2, enough to stay in first place in the NFC West. But if the Chiefs win their week 6 game, they would have the same record.

It became a lot more noticeable as the Chargers started the game with a 5-yard illegal formation penalty. Then, almost three minutes in the first quarter, they did a false start penalty, losing 5 yards again. It occurred again with almost 4 minutes remaining in the first quarter. They did the same penalty in the final 2 minutes of the first half.

On the opening drive of the 3rd quarter, the referees penalized them 5 yards for Defensive Too Many Men on Field. At the 10-minute mark in the 3rd quarter, they lost 5 yards for illegal formation again. So, they could have played the game without half the penalties they recorded. But unfortunately, it happened. As a result, not only the quarterback, but the coach was also disappointed.

Jim Harbaugh makes a special demand after Justin Herbert and the team’s loss!

Back in the offseason, the coach had a dream. He wanted to take Justin Herbert into the Hall of Fame. However, after losing two games in a row, he is angry due to the mistakes. “Penalties, turnovers. Those are the two big ones,” said the coach during the post-game conference.

But he then moved forward to talk about the turnovers. Jayden Daniels came back after the injury and recorded 15 of 26 passes (57.7% completion rate) for 231 yards and 1 touchdown. On the other side, Justin Herbert recorded 22 of 29 passes (75.9% completion rate) for 166 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. He was even sacked 4 times for 24 yards.

So, when the coach was asked about the turnovers and sacks, he didn’t hesitate. “We need to get better,” Harbaugh replied. “We’re a good football team. We’re not good enough in some of the areas that you need to win games.” The request was clear and to the point.

Despite all their best efforts, the Bolts lost the game. Now, they need to work on some basic stuff before Week 6. Last year, they looked in suitable form before losing in the playoffs. This year, they need to sort their injuries and basics from now onwards.