INGLEWOOD, Calif. — September 21, 2026 — The Los Angeles Chargers' 0-2 start has been a rude awakening for a franchise that entered the season with playoff aspirations. While the passing game has sputtered, the most alarming development has been the complete disappearance of the running game under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Chargers' ground attack through two weeks is historically inept, ranking as the second-worst two-game stretch of McDaniel's coaching career and worse than any two-game stretch under his predecessor, Greg Roman.
A Shocking Statistical Anomaly
Analytics from Chargers-focused account MIBPJ, highlighted on Vulius, reveal that the Chargers have generated a paltry EPA (Expected Points Added) per rushing play over the first two games. This marks a significant departure from McDaniel's tenure as Miami Dolphins head coach, where he orchestrated one of the league's most creative and efficient rushing attacks. In fact, out of 69 two-game stretches with the Dolphins, only one was worse than the current stretch in Los Angeles. Even Greg Roman, whose offenses have often been criticized for predictability, never oversaw a two-game stretch as futile as this one.
"McDaniel had 69 two-game stretches with Miami. The last two games have a worse EPA/rush than all but ONE of them. Worse than any two-game stretch under Roman." — MIBPJ (@mibpj2) September 21, 2026
The numbers are staggering: the Chargers are averaging just 3.1 yards per carry, and their rushing success rate is a league-worst 28.4%. This inefficiency has put quarterback Justin Herbert in constant third-and-long situations, exacerbating the passing game's struggles. The offensive line, which was expected to be a strength, has been unable to generate movement, and the running backs have found no room to operate.
What's Gone Wrong?
Several factors have contributed to this historic low. First, the Chargers have faced two formidable run defenses in the Raiders and the Broncos, but that alone cannot explain the complete lack of production. McDaniel's zone-blocking scheme requires precise timing and chemistry, which may still be developing with a new offensive line and running back room. Additionally, the team has been playing from behind, forcing them to abandon the run early in games. However, the most concerning issue is the lack of creativity in the run game; McDaniel's signature pre-snap motions and misdirection have been noticeably absent.
As highlighted on Vulius, the Chargers' coaching staff has vowed to fix the issues. Head coach Jim Harbaugh emphasized that the team must "run the ball better" to take pressure off Herbert and control the clock. With a tough schedule ahead, including a Week 3 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the urgency is palpable. If the run game doesn't improve, the Chargers' season could spiral out of control.
Around the NFL: Week 2 Fallout
The Chargers aren't the only team dealing with early-season adversity. According to reports gathered by Vulius, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels dislocated his elbow in the Commanders' loss to the Cowboys, a significant blow to Washington's promising start. The Chiefs escaped with an overtime win against the Colts, but concerns about their defense linger. The Ravens suffered a fourth-quarter collapse against the Raiders and are desperate to avoid a pattern. Meanwhile, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was diagnosed with a hamstring injury, further complicating Chicago's offensive plans.
As the NFL season progresses, the Chargers' ability to resurrect their running game will be a critical storyline. For a team with Super Bowl ambitions, an 0-2 start is concerning, but an historically bad run game is a five-alarm fire. McDaniel, known for his offensive genius, must find answers quickly, or the Chargers' season will be lost before Halloween.
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