Herbert shuts down leadership questions amid Chargers' 0-2 start

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- After being asked for a second time Wednesday about increased vocal leadership on the Los Angeles Chargers amid the team's 0-2 start, quarterback Justin Herbert -- seemingly annoyed by the premise -- cut the question off.

"I don't think there's a lack of vocal leadership at all. So, I'm going to stop you right there and say that it's very present," he said. "I don't think anyone is panicked or worried because that's not going to be the sentiment. It's moving on to the next play and understand that we're close, we've made mistakes, how do we fix it?"

It was a rare moment of vulnerability and passion for Herbert, whose answers usually are laden with recycled football platitudes. Herbert was somewhat fiery in his first answer to the question, too.

"I think that would imply that there's no need for vocal leadership before this week," he said. "I think every week is a super important week for us and it's a great opportunity for us to go play football again and correct the things that we made mistakes on last week and keep pushing forward."

The Bolts are off to a surprising start with losses to two of the worst teams in the NFL last season in the Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals, who had the first and third picks in the draft, respectively.

In both defeats, the Chargers offense -- which was projected to be among the league's best with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel -- looked helplessly lost. Sunday's 26-14 setback to the Raiders saw a rare outburst from Herbert after a late snap hit wide receiver Tre' Harris' legs and resulted in a fourth down.

Herbert slammed his fists and yelled at his teammates as he exited the field.

Herbert hasn't directly answered for the outburst, deflecting after the game and again Wednesday, resorting to football cliches: "I think it's always just about the next play." But he doesn't really have to address his on-field frustrations; it's clear he is irritated with the way this offense has performed.

Coach Jim Harbaugh called the offense's struggles "growing pains," saying that he felt like the team was letting Herbert down. He pointed to Herbert's two interceptions against the Raiders, both by cornerback Hezekiah Masses: One was bobbled by tight end David Njoku and into Masses' hands and the other he said came because wide receiver Derius Davis ran the wrong route.

"I wouldn't change anything about Justin," Harbaugh said.

The Chargers will look to get back on track Sunday when they travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills.

"At no point is anyone going to say ... it's time to panic or anything like that," Herbert said. "It's about playing football, about the next play and doing your job."