The Los Angeles Chargers were pushing to be one of the top five teams in the NFL just two weeks ago. But following back-to-back losses to the New York Giants and Washington Commanders, the Chargers are looking at a much different kind of season.
Does Jim Harbaugh have a squad capable of winning the Super Bowl? That was the question some fans and analysts were asking after Week 3. The question of late is, will the Chargers be able to overcome all of the injuries they have encountered to even make the playoffs?
Yes, two weeks in the NFL can make that much of a difference. After losing to the previously winless Giants, the Chargers were dominated at home by the Commanders this past Sunday.
Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News had to take those losses into consideration and after falling to No. 7 last week, the team dropped six more spots in his most recent rankings, down to No. 13.
"The Chargers were knocked down hard the past two weeks with sloppy offensive play in losses to lesser NFC East foes, the Giants and Commanders. Justin Herbert is back to being inconsistent, a worry for Jim Harbaugh", wrote Iyer.
Harbaugh has not looked great the past two weeks, but the biggest concern for this team is easily the mounting injuries. With key players Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, Najee Harris, Khalil Mack and Omarion Hampton all dealing with significant injuries at this point, the trajectory of this season could have easily changed for this team.
The Chargers will have to find a way to manufacture a rushing attack without their top two running backs. Trading for Odafe Oweh could provide a huge boost to the pass-rush department, and it will need to as the defense is going to need to step up while the team waits for its offense to get back to full strength.
READ: Chargers linked to another trade idea with Ravens
The Chargers go on the road in Week 6 to face the Miami Dolphins.
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