Chargers' Jim Harbaugh says Justin Herbert is 'taking too many hits'

Chargers' Jim Harbaugh says Justin Herbert is 'taking too many hits' originally appeared on The Sporting News

After one of the most impressive starts to a season we've seen this year, with three straight wins over division opponents, the Los Angeles Chargers dropped their first game of the season to the 0-3 New York Giants on Sunday.

Big Blue gave rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart his first start of his NFL career, and found a way to take down Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert, and the undefeated Chargers.

Herbert had been receiving early MVP buzz for his performances through the first three games, but had a relatively rough day at the office, completing 23 of 41 passes for 203 yards, tossing one touchdown and two interceptions in the loss.

Jim Harbaugh Says Justin Herbert is 'Taking too Many Hits'

After the game, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh defended his franchise quarterback, saying the team needed to do a better job protecting him.

"It’s very concerning. We’ll go back and look and we’ve gotta get better. We got to put him in a better position. Don’t think he’s been in a good position," said Harbaugh in his post-game presser.

The former Oregon quarterback was hit 12 times during the loss to New York, and 14 times the week before in a win over the Denver Broncos.

To be fair to Los Angeles, they've been dealt some heavy blows to the offensive line throughout the season. Star left tackle Rashawn Slater tore his patellar tendon during training camp, and their right tackle, who switched to left after Slater's injury, Joe Alt, exited Sunday's game early with a high-ankle sprain.

The Chargers' reserve offensive linemen just haven't been good enough to withstand the injuries.

Luckily, Alt should be back at some point this season. But with the Washington Commanders on deck, Los Angeles will have to find a way to better protect their former Oregon standout.

More Oregon news:

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• Chargers' Justin Herbert gets an apology from one of his loudest critics
• 49ers trade idea lands former Oregon pass rusher to replace injured Nick Bosa