The Los Angeles Chargers started the second season of the Jim Harbaugh era with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-21, in Brazil.
The Bolts had an 11-6 record last season, making the playoffs before losing in the AFC Wildcard game. Now, the team is looking to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
Quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 318 yards and 3 passing touchdowns in the season opener against the Chiefs, outplaying Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 258 passing yards and a single touchdown pass.
ESPN held an anonymous survey, asking NFL executives and scouts questions about the 2025-26 season. One of the questions was who would win the Coach of the Year award for the 2025-26 season, with the top answer being Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. Here is what one anonymous executive said:
“He has a team that can win the West, which would be an accomplishment,” an NFC executive said, via ESPN. “He has that team playing with an edge.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who conducted the survey, believes the Chargers need a bit more time before becoming Super Bowl contenders.
“The Chargers were unafraid to pass the ball late in the game and with the lead Thursday night. That shows Harbaugh’s ability to adapt,” Fowler wrote. “Harbaugh has won everywhere he has been, so the momentum he has built in Los Angeles should be no surprise.”
Playing In The AFC West
GettyLos Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert #10
Three of the four teams in the AFC West won their season openers, with the only team not winning being the Chiefs, as they played against the Chargers.
Three teams in the division made the playoffs last season, showing that the division has gotten stronger with the Las Vegas Raiders’ hiring of former Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll.
The Los Angeles Chargers and Jim Harbaugh will go through a gauntlet to return to the playoffs and for Harbaugh to win the Coach of the Year award.
According to ESPN, the Chargers have the 12th hardest schedule for the 2025-26 season, with the Bolts facing nine teams that made the playoffs last season.
The organization started the season with a win against the Chiefs, who made the Super Bowl last season, showing that they are taking a step in the right direction.
Omarion Hampton Predicted To Win OROY
GettyLos Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton
Jim Harbaugh isn’t the only member of the Los Angeles Chargers to receive praise in the anonymous survey.
Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton was predicted to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Here is what one scout had to say about the rookie:
“He’s on a team that’s had playoff success and is going to run the football. He’s a perfect back for that offense. Ashton Jeanty is a good player, but I’m not sure the Raiders will be good enough.”
Omarion Hampton ran for 48 yards in his professional debut on 15 carries. His performance could have been rookie jitters or is settling into the NFL.
The former North Carolina Tar Heel could have had better showings in the rest of the 16 games in his rookie season.
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