The Los Angeles Chargers did not lose to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4 because they lacked late-game answers. They lost because quarterback Justin Herbert threw two costly interceptions in a mistake-filled first half, putting them in an early hole that the offense could not escape.
Locked On Chargers host Daniel Wade and co-host David Droegemeier focused on the decisions behind Herbert’s first two giveaways, arguing that both throws came into coverage without a viable window. Wade said the errors were especially troubling because they did not resemble the quarterback’s usual ball security or judgment.
Herbert’s first interception came on a play-action throw that Droegemeier said Seattle appeared ready for, with defenders positioned to take away the intended target. His second pick, late in the first half, again left the hosts questioning what Herbert saw. He later lost a fumble while trying to extend the final drive, though Wade did not put the same level of blame on Herbert for that turnover because of the immediate pressure.
Herbert has thrown six interceptions this season compared with four touchdown passes. That ties him for the second-most interceptions in the league with Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams. Only the New England Patriots’ Drake Maye (seven) has been picked off more times.
The giveaways were not solely on Herbert. A muffed punt also handed Seattle a short field, and Wade noted that the Chargers lost the turnover margin 4-1. Still, the quarterback’s early mistakes defined the offense’s most damaging stretch and left the club with little margin for error after falling to 0-4.
The second half supplied a reason not to write off Herbert’s ability to lead a functional offense. Wade said a nearly 30-yard scramble before halftime sparked a different rhythm, followed by four consecutive scoring drives. Herbert made a sideline throw to wide receiver Tre’ Harris, escaped pressure on fourth down to find tight end Oronde Gadsden II, and connected with wide receiver Quentin Johnston on a fourth-and-7 deep ball to keep the comeback alive.
Droegemeier credited quicker concepts and a more decisive Herbert for the improvement. The contrast, however, is the issue facing the Chargers: their quarterback showed he can still create elite plays under pressure, but the early turnovers once again made those plays part of a rally instead of a winning formula.
The Chargers now turn to the Denver Broncos with their margin for error effectively gone. Herbert’s late response offered a template for the offense, but cleaner decisions and a less chaotic opening will have to arrive immediately.
Chargers News and Notes
– The defense again gave the Chargers a chance, according to the hosts. Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba finished with five catches for 76 yards after entering the game with 405 yards receiving in the first three weeks. Edge rusher Khalil Mack recorded a sack, and the unit limited Seattle to three conversions on 12 third-down attempts.
– Special teams remain a major concern after the muffed punt created a short scoring field. Wade also pointed to penalties as part of the team’s recurring lack of discipline, while suggesting coordinator Ryan Ficken could face added scrutiny.
