Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Head coach Jim Harbaugh made his Los Angeles Chargers debut on the sideline of Saturday’s 16-3 preseason loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Harbaugh sent out quarterback Easton Stick, who was listed as backup to Justin Herbert on the Chargers’ first unofficial depth chart, to start before third-stringer Max Duggan took over in the second half.
The former Michigan head coach even helped Stick warm up for his preseason start by throwing to him before the game:
Neither signal caller could get the ball into the end zone, however, and the Chargers finished out the loss with only a single field goal on the scoreboard.
Stick completed the first half having gone 5-for-13 for 31 yards and one interception, while Duggan connected on 4 of 7 passes for 41 yards. The pair was sacked a combined three times.
Luis Perez came in to finish out the game, completing 5 of 12 passes for 61 yards.
The quarterbacks’ struggles in Harbaugh’s debut left Chargers fans disappointed their team couldn’t begin the preseason with a victory.
Devon DeLeon @DevonTDeLeon
Being truthful abt Chargers:<br><br>Their hopes hinge on Herbert (top 4-7 imo) + Harbaugh resuming where he left off in NFL. Which historically doesnt happen.<br><br>Roster is bottom 5-10 in NFL. No depth at all + same division as kc. I think it’s closer to a gruden situation than some think
Stick and Duggan’s struggles were particularly difficult to watch for Chargers fans as J.J. McCarthy, Harbaugh’s former quarterback at Michigan, threw two touchdown passes during his own preseason debut for the Minnesota Vikings.
Football fans were still excited to see Harbaugh return to an NFL sideline for the first time since parting ways with the San Francisco 49ers in 2014.
The Chargers preseason opener also pitted Harbaugh against his son, Jay Harbaugh, who is working as special teams coordinator for the Seahawks.
Harbaugh will look for his first win as a Charger when preseason action continues next Saturday for the chargers with a intra-city competition against the Los Angeles Rams.