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Justin Herbert Admits Harsh Truth About His Disastrous Performance in Wild Card Loss to Texans

The veteran quarterback threw four interceptions in the Chargers' 20-point loss to the Houston Texans.

By Jovan Alford

Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) jogs off the field after a play during the game against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium.
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) jogs off the field after a play during the game against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Los Angeles Chargers entered Saturday’s wild-card game against the Houston Texans as short road favorites. However, the Chargers did not play like the favorites as their offense failed to get on track, leading to a 32-12 win by the Texans in front of their home crowd.

Los Angeles had a chance to extend its early 6-0 lead to start the second quarter. But Chargers QB Justin Herbert threw an ugly interception as he threw the ball across the field to second-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston, who was double-covered.

It was the worst possible thing Herbert could have done in that spot as the Chargers’ defense got an interception of their own off of Texans QB C.J. Stroud. Sadly, that would be the theme for Los Angeles’ offense as Herbert threw four interceptions to one touchdown.

The veteran quarterback also threw for 242 yards in the loss, but most of his yards went to standout rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who had a game-high nine receptions (14 targets) for 197 yards and a touchdown.

After the game, Herbert put the onus on himself for his disappointing performance.

"I let the team down," the veteran QB said, via the team’s website. "You can’t turn over the ball like that and expect to win. Put the team into a tough position with four turnovers like that. The defense hung tough, they got some turnovers, they gave us opportunities. I just have to be better."

According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, Herbert had the worst completion percentage (43.8) in a playoff game by a Charger QB since Philip Rivers in 2006. It was also tied for third-worst in franchise history (min. 20 attempts).

Whether it's the regular season or the playoffs, your starting QB cannot turn over the ball four times. It is unacceptable. Now granted, the Chargers’ offensive line also allowed four sacks and nine QB hits, which did not help the situation.

However, having four interceptions in a playoff game gives the opposing team extra possessions to capitalize on. The Texans scored 10 points off those four turnovers, which included a pick-six in the second half.

After a disappointing finish to a fun season, Herbert and the rest of the team will have a ton to think about heading into the offseason.

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