Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers’ disappointing season continued with their eighth consecutive loss, as they fell 44-22 to the Houston Texans on Sunday. After entering the season with expectations of competing, the Chargers have struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball, and their offensive problems have become difficult to ignore.

Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel moved upstairs to call plays on Sunday in an attempt to change things. But the adjustment did little to protect Herbert from the Texans’ pass rush or improve the Chargers’ offensive production.

Herbert stood firmly behind McDaniel after the loss, triggering reactions from fans.

Fans aren’t Buying Justin Herbert’s Defense of Mike McDaniel After Another Loss

Herbert finished the Texans’ game with 13 of 23 for 193 yards and an interception, ranking last in PFN QB Impact Score with a grade of 59.9.

Herbert also saw constant pressure throughout the game, taking a career-high eight sacks in Sunday’s game. He has now been sacked 31 times this season, the second-highest total in the NFL, while Sunday’s loss dropped the Chargers to 0-8.

However, Herbert stood firmly behind McDaniel following the game. “It’s not on him, it’s on us as an offense,” Herbert said.

Regarding McDaniel moving to the booth, Herbert had another take. “There was no difference,” Herbert said. “I thought he called a great game…communication was still great.”

However, fans didn’t like Herbert’s defense of McDaniel amid the losing streak.

“Stop it, Justin,” one said.

“Tired of his lack of accountability for the team and him and lack of passion,” a fan said.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh was also asked about his confidence in McDaniel’s continued role as offensive coordinator. Following the loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Harbaugh said that the team’s priority was finding a way to change the situation and correct its mistakes.

Harbaugh had publicly backed McDaniel during the bye week, saying the Chargers remained ‘very confident’ in his talent, work ethic and ability.

However, the situation did not improve. Along with the final three games’ losses last season and eight in the current one, Los Angeles matched a franchise record with an 11-game losing streak, previously set in 2000.

Meanwhile, the Chargers’ ongoing defense of McDaniel, especially Herbert after Sunday’s loss, kept triggering reactions.

“Just shut yourself down Herbert. You’re just embarrassing yourself,” one added.

“Herbert is NEVER going to say 1 bad thing about anyone on his team. EVER,” Coach Tim Albitz wrote.

“No difference in results is what he meant,” another said.

The Chargers will next travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens as they look for their first win of the season and a chance to snap their franchise-record-tying 11-game losing streak.