Jim Harbaugh unhappy with performance of Chargers offensive line

The story of the Los Angeles Chargers' loss to the Seattle Seahawks was the backup quarterback play, but Jim Harbaugh thinks the offensive line is what needs the most focus in practice this week.

Per his postgame press conference , Harbaugh had this to say when asked about the most important thing to work on fixing before Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams:

Timing, blocking in the run game. Zone blocking, the gap blocking. The timing in the passing game. The protection — good at times, other times we missed or one guy got beat or more on a play. It was pretty wide spread, but you go back and attack it.

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?

Here is how the offensive line snaps shook out last night for players with 20 or more total snaps:

• Foster Sarell (RT/LT/RG): 47
• Alex Leatherwood (LT): 35
• Brent Laing (G): 28
• Bucky Williams (C): 28
• Brenden Jaimes (G/C): 25
• Joe Alt (RT): 21
• Jordan McFadden (G): 21
• Willis Patrick (G): 20

After the first-unit starters departed, the offensive line was bullied all night long by a talented Seahawks front.

Harbaugh was unhappy with everything the offensive line could be asked to do on the field. The Chargers opted to pass on a backup offensive tackle or interior offensive lineman in the 2024 draft class despite boasting one of the better trench groups (particularly interior) of the past few years. So far, and combined with an injury to Jamaree Salyer, the backup group is struggling.

For all the talk of a higher floor rushing offense under Greg Roman, the Chargers could only muster 50 yards on 15 attempts (3.33 yards per attempt). Leatherwood, Sarell, and Jaimes, allowed 10 pressures combined. Chargers quarterbacks were sacked three times overall.

The good news is Harbaugh recognized the poor performance from the offensive line and will look to correct that this week. Keep an eye on whether the Chargers can rebound and put up more than 198 yards of total offense when they host the Rams this week.