The Los Angeles Chargers began 2025 as one of the NFL’s early success stories. Jim Harbaugh’s group opened 3–0 with impressive wins over the Chiefs, Raiders, and Broncos, and looked like legitimate AFC contenders. But that shine has quickly worn off. Sunday’s 38–24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts marked their third defeat in four games — and perhaps their ugliest yet.
When asked whether coaching might be part of the Chargers’ inconsistency, Harbaugh didn’t shy away from self-reflection. “Just everything that we’re doing in all three phases — just a little bit better,” he said. “Continue to work. There’s been a few fits that have been off.” The fits he mentioned were generous — the Chargers’ run defense was shredded from start to finish.
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A Defensive Meltdown
Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?
The Colts scored touchdowns on six of their first seven possessions. Running back Jonathan Taylor turned the Chargers’ front into turnstiles, rushing for 94 yards and three touchdowns on just 16 carries, while adding 38 receiving yards. It was one of the worst defensive showings of the Harbaugh–Jesse Minter era by expected points added per play, according to TruMedia — even worse than their 40-17 collapse against Tampa Bay last season.
After the game, star safety Derwin James delivered an unfiltered assessment. “We looked like s*** today,” he said. “We looked like trash, gave up 40 points in our own stadium.” He later added, “We weren’t locked in on the details. Simple s*** to the flat, boots, everything we practiced.”
Linebacker Daiyan Henley echoed that frustration: “It just wasn’t good enough. Details, obviously. Little things turn to big things.”
Harbaugh’s Challenge: Accountability and Urgency
Even with Justin Herbert throwing for a career-high 420 yards and three touchdowns, the Chargers looked overmatched. Herbert was pressured relentlessly, sacked three times, and hit 15 times behind a battered offensive line missing key starters.
Harbaugh continues to preach patience, but the urgency is undeniable. The Chargers have now allowed 30-plus points in two of their last three games and continue to miss key tackles in critical moments.
“We just have to be better — all of us,” Harbaugh said. “That’s the only way forward.”
With a short week before facing the Vikings on Thursday Night Football, Los Angeles doesn’t have time to sulk. But if Derwin James’ words are any indication, this locker room has already run out of excuses.
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