The NFL schedule released in the spring suggested a strong start for the Los Angeles Chargers. The initial games against the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders seemed like favorable matchups. Unfortunately, those anticipated victories turned into defeats.

The Chargers, in both losses, allowed 26 points while only scoring 14. Their defense has struggled, surrendering an average of 349 yards per game and managing just one takeaway. Safety Derwin James Jr., dealing with a broken left pinky finger, expressed his frustration after the team’s defeat to the Raiders.

‘We got to look each other in the eye, man, and just tell the truth and just get better,’ James said. ‘Because, right now, that s— just looks trash. … I’m angry, but being angry don’t fix anything. We have to get it fixed. I feel like we’re a couple of plays away. It ain’t like we’re getting blown out. But we have to win these games, there’s no reason we’re going out there playing like that.’

James has recorded 17 tackles and achieved a pass breakup in the opening games, but more is needed from the rest of the team as they approach Week 3. Historically, teams like the Chargers, starting the season 0-2, face uphill battles.

A note from OPTA Stats further highlights Los Angeles’s challenges. They are the second NFL team ever to lose back-to-back games at home by double digits against teams with a sub-.200 win percentage from the previous season. The only other team was the 1926 Racine Tornadoes, who folded after one more game.

Looking ahead, the Chargers face a daunting schedule. They will travel to play against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3, followed by a game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4. Each game poses significant challenges.