Los Angeles Rams and Chargers struggle despite strong coaching and quarterback positions
Both Los Angeles NFL teams have underperformed this season, with the Rams at 2-4 and the Chargers winless, prompting analysis of coaching decisions, offensive schemes, and special-teams issues.
Six weeks into the 2025 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams (2-4) and the Los Angeles Chargers (0-6) are far from the expectations set by their head coaches and quarterbacks. The Rams remain competitive but have lost several close games, while the Chargers’ offense has slipped to the bottom of the league.
The analysis attributes the Chargers’ decline primarily to head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Under Harbaugh, quarterback Justin Herbert’s expected points added per pass play has fallen from seventh in his first four seasons to 23rd this year. Coaches cited the complexity of McDaniel’s system and the Chargers’ weakened offensive line as factors that hinder Herbert’s performance.
"There are a lot of formations and motions that he's gonna present to you," one opposing coach said of McDaniel’s scheme.
"It takes some mental stamina to be at that Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes level, and I don't know if that's (Herbert)."
The Chargers also rank near the bottom in cash spending, limiting their ability to add veteran talent. General manager Joe Hortiz’s focus on long-term financial sustainability has left the roster thin, particularly on the offensive line, where injuries forced the team to start four rookies in a recent loss.
Defensively, the Chargers have performed well under new coordinator Chris O'Leary, but special-teams play remains a weakness, ranking last among the league’s core phases.
The Rams face a different set of challenges. Special-teams inconsistencies have been highlighted by the abrupt replacement of kicker Harrison Mevis with Blake Grupe, who was injured during a game. The team has cycled through six special-teams coordinators since head coach Sean McVay arrived in 2017 and currently ranks last in special-teams efficiency.
"They played Denver to the wire (30-26 loss), Buffalo to the wire (37-34 overtime loss) — good teams," an opposing coach said of the Rams.
While the Rams have added high-profile defensive players such as Myles Garrett and cornerback Trent McDuffie, the impact of those acquisitions has yet to materialize fully. The team hopes that returning veterans Aaron Donald and Garrett will bolster the defense, allowing the offense and special teams to improve.
Both franchises are considering staff adjustments. The Chargers may look to change their offensive coordinator during the upcoming bye week, with former head coach Adam Gase or passing-game coordinator Shane Day mentioned as possibilities. The Rams appear less likely to make major changes, instead waiting for injured defensive players to return.
Overall, the two Los Angeles teams illustrate that strong coaching and quarterback talent do not guarantee success when other factors—schemes, line play, special-teams execution, and financial constraints— undermine performance.