Herbert, Chargers on Wrong Side of History with Rare Stat Not Seen Since 1926 Racine Tornadoes

It's still early into the 2026 NFL season, but the Los Angeles Chargers couldn't have gotten off to a worse start.

Los Angeles lost 26-14 to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday to fall to 0-2. Opta pointed out it achieved something that hasn't happened in a century. It's rarely an encouraging sign when you're in the same company as a franchise (Racine Tornadoes) nobody has heard of:

More than just the outcome itself, the manner of the defeat was discouraging for the Chargers. Star quarterback Justin Herbert went 15-of-27 for 192 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, and the defense allowed the Raiders to average 5.1 yards per play.

▶️Full Raiders-Chargers Recap

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It's reductive to put this all on Herbert's shoulders. Sure, this isn't what fans envisioned early into two-time Pro Bowler's partnership with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, but the personnel issues go beyond the quarterback position.

Given what Los Angeles' schedule looks like moving forward, the team could sink even further. Here are the next seven opponents: Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens.

How many of those games are you confident about the Chargers winning? They could be a long shot for the playoffs by the time they head into their Week 7 bye.

Look at the bright side. They're bound to at least exist through to November, which is something the Tornadoes couldn't say in 1926.

Sometimes you have to find the small victories.