Chargers drop to 0-7 after 24-9 loss to Rams

Rookie edge rusher Akheem Mesidor struggled to articulate why the Los Angeles Chargers are 0-7.

The Chargers fell 24-9 to the Rams on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Mesidor, the No. 22 pick in the NFL draft, was brought in to provide immediate help to a team with Super Bowl aspirations. He played two full seasons at Miami, where his team lost in 2024 to miss the College Football Playoff and then reached the national championship game last year.

“I don’t know,” Mesidor said. “I don’t know what to say. Everybody in this locker room wants to win, and we’re doing what it takes every week, the preparation to do so. But I don’t know. I wouldn’t know how to explain what happened.”

Mesidor described his current approach as purely mental. He said the team must come to work, stay happy, and keep a positive mindset because that is the only thing they can control. Despite his words, he appeared shell-shocked. That same disbelief was visible throughout the stadium, even though the Chargers were the visiting team.

The front office has not shown signs of a fire sale to move players on expiring contracts. The most notable candidate is 35-year-old edge rusher Khalil Mack. Coach Jim Harbaugh's team appears set to try and turn things around, relying on a hope that has never occurred in NFL history.

The defense showed progress in the first half. They held the Rams without a first down on five straight possessions and allowed only 14 net yards. Justin Herbert's first interception handed the ball to Los Angeles in the red zone, resulting in just a field goal.

The offense delivered its most disappointing performance of the season. Coming off a bye week with the chance to self-scout, the team has now gone 27 possessions without a touchdown across nine quarters. The running back trio of Kimani Vidal, Omarion Hampton, and Keaton Mitchell combined for 49 yards on 21 carries. Harbaugh indicated on Monday that it might make sense to reduce the rotation to allow a player to build rhythm.

Practice squad cornerback Isas Waxter led the team with six tackles. The undrafted rookie from Villanova stopped Rams wideout Puka Nacua for a loss on two screen passes. Cornerback Deane Leonard remains in concussion protocol. Rookie wideout Brenen Thompson is unlikely to practice this week due to a quad and hamstring injury. Tight end David Njoku, on injured reserve since a leg injury against the Raiders on Sept. 20, will likely return to practice. The Chargers have lost 10 straight games, a franchise record since the 2000 season. They host the Houston Texans on Sunday.