NFL Crisis: Is It Time to Fire Jim Harbaugh & Mike McDaniel?

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Sporting Tribune Today

Justin Herbert’s Struggles and the Eagles’ Losing Streak Raise Major Concerns

Justin Herbert’s recent play has been alarmingly poor. On one interception, a Chiefs linebacker was directly in his line of sight, yet Herbert threw the ball straight toward him. The mistake was visible from every angle, including the All-22, SkyCam and broadcast views.

Herbert has no history of playing this badly, but he has suddenly gone from being viewed by many as a top-five quarterback to looking like a bottom-five quarterback. If Mike McDaniel’s arrival is the change that caused the offense to deteriorate, then moving on from McDaniel would be the simplest response. The Chargers are not going to trade Herbert or fire Jim Harbaugh, so Harbaugh could take control of the offense and handle the play-calling.

The Chargers were previously criticized for not allowing Herbert to let loose. They brought in a coach who appeared capable of changing that, but the offense now feels more restricted than ever.

Herbert’s limited receiving options also remain a major problem. The offense does not have enough wide receivers, leaving questions about whom Herbert can target downfield. That issue may not be addressed until the offseason.

The mistakes have extended beyond Herbert. Ke’Andre Lambert-Smith fumbled after Quentin Johnston knocked the ball out of his hand. Following one of the turnovers, Jim Harbaugh appeared to mouth, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” That reaction captured the frustration surrounding the team.

Elsewhere, the Eagles have lost four consecutive games after falling to the Panthers, marking their first four-game skid of the Sirianni era. The losing streak has raised questions about whether that era could soon end.

An in-season firing would not necessarily be the answer. Sirianni has earned the chance to sit through the team’s struggles rather than being released and moving directly into a television job. He has won a Super Bowl and has a strong record as a head coach, but his inability to establish effective play-calling or a functional offense is clearly hurting the team.

The Eagles’ defense held up again, but the offense could not score. Other teams, including the 49ers, Bears and Ravens, have found ways to produce with backup quarterbacks. Philadelphia has not managed to do the same, although injuries have also played a role. A Super Bowl-winning coach might receive more patience elsewhere, but Philadelphia may not be as forgiving.