Mike McDaniel Among 15 NFL Figures on Hot Seat After Week 5

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel faces pressure as quarterback Justin Herbert ranks last in the NFL with a 26.6 Total QBR.

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is under scrutiny following a 23-17 loss to the Denver Broncos. During the defeat, quarterback Justin Herbert threw a fourth-down interception and completed his lone touchdown pass to tight end Hayden Rucci, a mid-September practice squad addition. The Chargers played without wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey, as well as offensive linemen Joe Alt, Tyler Biadasz, and Rashawn Slater.

Through five weeks of the 2026 season, Herbert leads the NFL with seven interceptions and ranks last among qualifying passers with a 26.6 Total QBR. His performance includes a 5.0 QBR in the fourth quarter, where he has recorded four interceptions and five strip sacks. The Chargers' rushing attack currently ranks 28th in EPA per play, averaging 2.5 yards per carry on attempts against heavy boxes.

Elsewhere in the league, Houston Texans running back David Montgomery averaged 2.7 yards per carry before exiting a win over the Tennessee Titans with a groin injury. In Dallas, cornerback DaRon Bland has allowed a 126.2 passer rating in coverage this season and surrendered a 64-yard catch to Tez Johnson in his most recent outing. Green Bay Packers rookie kicker Trey Smack missed two field goals and an extra point in a victory against the Chicago Bears, matching a performance that previously led to the replacement of Brandon McManus.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is also cited after Washington blew a 14-point lead in a loss to the New York Giants. The Commanders defense currently ranks 26th in points allowed per possession, while cornerback Mike Sainristil has been benched in favor of Rasul Douglas after allowing a 147.6 passer rating in coverage. In Philadelphia, Nick Sirianni faces criticism following a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars where the Eagles offense ranked 30th in EPA per play.