-
Kris Rhim, ESPN
HOUSTON– After among the most awful video games of his job in Saturday’s 32-12 playoff loss to the Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert took responsibility for his battles.
“I let the team down,” he stated. “… You can’t turn the ball over like that and expect to win. … I just have to be better.”
It was an uncharacteristically poor video game fromHerbert He ended up 14-of-32 passing (43.8%), the most awful conclusion portion in a championship game by a Charger because Philip Rivers in 2006, and linked for 3rd worst in franchise business background (minimum 20 efforts). Herbert tossed a league-low 3 interceptions throughout the normal period however had 4 versus the Texans, making him the initial gamer in NFL background to toss even more choices in a championship game than in the normal period (minimum 200 efforts).
Herbert’s errors started in the 2nd quarter. With 11:39 left and the Chargers leading 6-0 and at a loss area, he rolled to the ideal side of the area on play-action and tossed the sphere throughout his body to receiver Quentin Johnston left wing. But the pass was underthrown and obstructed by cornerback Kamari Lassiter.
Late in the 3rd quarter, Herbert tossed a round too expensive for pass receiver Ladd McConkey that was obstructed and returned for a goal by securityEric Murray It was Herbert’s initial pick-six because 2022.
His 3rd interception came as a result of a visit limited end Will Dissly, however his last later in the 4th quarter began an additional underthrown sphere to pass receiver DJ Chark, that had an action on cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
“I thought the guys outside did a great job fighting and getting open, and it’s on me as a quarterback to be able to deliver the ball,” Herbert stated.
Coach Jim Harbaugh fasted to protect Herbert postgame, stating his QB played “like he always does — a complete beast.” Harbaugh included that the offending line really did not shield Herbert well sufficient which the Texans’ side stress was the most effective his group had actually seen this period. Herbert was sacked 4 times and pressured on 39% of his dropbacks.
“He’s got to be able to finish a throwing motion,” Harbaugh stated. “Quarterback’s got to be able to do that, and we didn’t put him in the position to do that enough.”
Teammates additionally hurried to protect Herbert’s efficiency after the loss.
“He’s a damn good football player,” facility Bradley Bozeman stated. “One of the best quarterbacks in the league. I was proud for him to be our quarterback this year. I wouldn’t want anybody else.”
Added security Alohi Gilman: “He’s gonna get slack for it because people are going to say X, Y and Z, but we know he’s a great quarterback. I wouldn’t change a thing. … That’s my guy. That’s our quarterback.”
And stated guard Zion Johnson: “We know the type of guy he is. We know the type of quarterback, the type of leader he is.”
Herbert is currently 0-2 in the playoffs. In his initial playoff look, 2 periods ago versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Chargers got on the incorrect side of among one of the most unpleasant losses in NFL background, blowing a 27-0 first-half lead in a 31-30 loss.
Now, Herbert gets on the incorrect side of an additional embarrassing loss.
“We’ll just have to keep watching film and assess the play,” he stated when asked what it will certainly require to have much more postseason success. “Obviously, it was not good enough by any standards today, and I put the team into a jeopardy-type position with all the turnovers, so on me to get better and keep pushing forward.”
