Adam Schein is buying into the Chargers in a big way for the 2026 NFL season, and he’s not shy about saying why.
On a new episode of Schein Time for the New York Post Sports, Schein made the case that Jim Harbaugh’s team has the kind of roster and coaching setup that can carry it to the top of the AFC West. He went as far as to say Los Angeles should be the division favorite.
"The Chargers are loaded, the Chargers are brilliantly coached, the Chargers should be able to win the division," Schein said. "I'm going to pick them right now to win the division."
Schein’s confidence in the Chargers, though, comes with a familiar caveat: Justin Herbert still has to prove it in the postseason. That, more than anything else, is what keeps Los Angeles from being an unquestioned contender in his eyes.
"Justin Herbert has never won a playoff game," Schein said, pointing to disappointing performances in previous postseason appearances. "When you struggle mightily like this in these kind of playoff games, that, simply put, impacts how you feel about someone like Justin Herbert."
Even with that criticism, Schein didn’t back off his belief in Herbert as a quarterback. He said he has long been one of Herbert’s biggest supporters and still sees elite talent.
"I've always loved Justin Herbert. I've always been banging the drum for Justin Herbert," Schein said.
"I will always believe in him, because I'm enamored with his talent. I love how even-keeled he is."
He also pointed to Herbert’s regular-season production as evidence that the quarterback has done plenty of heavy lifting, especially while dealing with a battered offensive line.
"Herbert did a great job during the regular season with his entire offensive line banged up," Schein said. "Literally, his two tackles did not play a down last year."
Schein also singled out the Chargers’ coaching staff as a major reason for optimism, saying the addition of former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator is the offseason move that stands out most. In Schein’s view, McDaniel and Harbaugh give Los Angeles a strong blend of offensive creativity and leadership.
"The biggest addition, bar none, was Mike McDaniel," Schein said. "As an offensive mind, a yin to the yang for Harbaugh.
Different personalities, major upgrade from what they had. Obsessed.
I can't get enough of this move."
That mix, along with what Schein described as a healthy offensive line and Harbaugh’s unique presence, is why he thinks the Chargers have the full package.
"I really think the Chargers have every single element that you want when it comes to being a truly great team," Schein said.
Still, he acknowledged the reputation Los Angeles has built over time for coming up short in big moments. Until that changes, the Chargers will keep carrying that baggage.
"What could go wrong, goes wrong for the Chargers, right?" Schein said. "I think the Chargers will get it done this year."
For Schein, the bottom line is simple: the Chargers look ready to break through, but Herbert’s playoff performance will decide just how far they can go.
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