The Los Angeles Chargers concluded their season on Sunday with a disappointing playoff loss to the New England Patriots, and quarterback Justin Herbert took the blame for the team”s lackluster performance. Following the 16-3 defeat, Herbert stated, “I didn”t play well enough and didn”t make any plays.”
This season was expected to be different for the Chargers, who had made an impressive playoff run despite facing significant injuries to key players. However, the end result mirrored past disappointments for the franchise, with a visibly dejected Herbert owning up to his uncharacteristically subpar showing in the postseason.
Herbert completed 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards without any touchdowns and was the leading rusher for the Chargers with 55 yards. Throughout the season, he had been one of the league”s top quarterbacks, skillfully navigating through challenges posed by a struggling offensive line and driving the Chargers to eleven victories. Yet on Sunday, he failed to deliver the performance expected of him.
During the opening drive, Herbert had a clear opportunity to connect with wide receiver Ladd McConkey for a potentially significant gain, but opted to scramble for a nine-yard run instead. In another instance during the third quarter on a critical third-and-seven, Herbert underthrew McConkey, allowing Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones Davis to break up the pass. When asked about his vision on the field during the game, Herbert candidly remarked, “Obviously, not well enough.”
This season, he had excelled at finding running lanes as pressure mounted, finishing with a career-high of 498 rushing yards. While the Chargers provided adequate protection for Herbert for much of the game, he still made questionable choices. In one notable moment, he drifted in the pocket before slipping and falling during a play that resulted in a sack credited to Patriots linebacker K”Lavon Chaisson.
Despite Herbert”s struggles, the Chargers” defense performed admirably, putting consistent pressure on Patriots quarterback Jake Maye, resulting in five sacks and two turnovers. Notably, outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, acquired in a trade earlier in the season, set a franchise record for the postseason with three sacks and a forced fumble.
It was not until the fourth quarter, with just under ten minutes left, that the Patriots scored a touchdown, as Maye connected with tight end Hunter Henry for a 28-yard reception. Herbert recognized the defense”s efforts, stating, “We let the defense down today.”
Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have now faced two playoff losses characterized by ineffective offensive performances, managing only two touchdowns across both games. When questioned about the suitability of offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Harbaugh answered that he did not have a clear response, stating, “We”re going to look at that and everything.”
Harbaugh defended Herbert, labeling him a “warrior.” Inside the locker room, his teammates echoed this sentiment, praising Herbert”s resilience despite enduring six sacks and playing through a fractured left hand this season. Right guard Mekhi Becton remarked, “I don”t think he did anything wrong,” emphasizing that with Herbert at the helm, the team believes they can achieve anything.
