“Even Harbaugh Can’t Save the Chargers From Playoff Heartbreak!”
With Jim Harbaugh at the helm, Justin Herbert rejuvenated, and a defense ready to dominate C.J. Stroud, the Los Angeles Chargers entered Saturday night’s playoff clash against the Houston Texans with hopes of shedding their reputation for late-season collapses. The term “Chargering” synonymous with dramatic failures in crucial moments seemed destined for retirement.
But old habits die hard. Even a stunning 86-yard touchdown by rookie receiver Ladd McConkey couldn’t prevent chaos. On the ensuing extra point, kicker Cameron Dicker’s low attempt was blocked by Denico Autry. Instead of recovering, Dicker mishandled the ball, letting D’Angelo Ross scoop it up and sprint for a two-point defensive conversion. The Texans piled on with another touchdown, sealing a 32-12 blowout that abruptly ended the Chargers’ season.
“Not being the better team today, that’s on me,” Harbaugh said postgame, owning the defeat. Just a year ago, he hoisted a national championship trophy with Michigan. Now, in his first NFL playoff game with the Chargers, Harbaugh faced a stark reality in a cramped press room, as celebrations echoed from the Texans’ locker room.
Despite an 11-win season and flashes of brilliance, the Chargers fell victim to familiar struggles. Herbert, making his playoff return after the infamous 2023 collapse against Jacksonville, threw four interceptions after tossing just three all regular season. Under relentless pressure, the 26-year-old QB was sacked four times, finishing with a career-worst 40.9 passer rating.
“It’s tough. I let the team down,” Herbert admitted. “You can’t turn the ball over like that and expect to win.”
The game began with promise — the Chargers forced a fumble on Houston’s first possession, converting it into an early lead. Yet by the first quarter’s end, they had just two field goals to show for their efforts, missing chances to bury the Texans early. C.J. Stroud, despite relentless pressure, found his rhythm and exposed the Chargers’ flaws.
With just one playoff win in the last 11 seasons, the Chargers’ hopes of escaping their painful legacy remain unfulfilled. For Harbaugh and Herbert, the challenge is clear: breaking free from the weight of “Chargering.”
The turning point in the Chargers’ playoff collapse came midway through the second quarter when the Texans started a drive from their 1-yard line. After gaining some breathing room, a botched snap seemed poised to derail Houston, but C.J. Stroud recovered and launched a 34-yard pass to Xavier Hutchinson. That spark ignited the Texans’ offense, as they exploited gaps in the Chargers’ defense. Stroud finished with 22 completions on 33 attempts for 282 yards, including 122 to Nico Collins, who also hauled in a touchdown.
Justin Herbert had moments of brilliance, connecting with rookie Ladd McConkey for a playoff-record 197 yards on nine receptions. Yet the night was defined by missed opportunities and costly mistakes. Late in the third quarter, after a favorable 28-yard punt return gave the Chargers excellent field position, Herbert overthrew McConkey, and Texans safety Eric Murray intercepted the pass, returning it for a touchdown. That made the score 20-6 with seconds left in the third quarter, effectively sealing the game. In the fourth, the Chargers turned miscues into a spectacle, as their collapse snowballed.
“We just didn’t play clean,” said safety Derwin James. “Defense, we gave up too many plays on third and long. We could’ve been better there.”
For Harbaugh, the loss stung, but his optimism remained intact. “It’s the favorite ball team I’ve ever been on,” he said. “One thing I can promise is the sun will come up tomorrow, and we’ll be attacking it with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.”
The week leading up to the game was anything but ordinary. Wildfires near Los Angeles disrupted the team’s preparations, forcing players to wear gas masks during practice due to poor air quality. Harbaugh’s daughter had to evacuate her home in Hollywood, while an assistant coach’s family endured a harrowing night.
To adjust, Harbaugh split practice into shorter, 45-minute sessions for offense, defense, and special teams, supplementing them with additional meetings and video reviews. Despite the chaos, Harbaugh insisted their preparation was sound.
In the end, however, the Chargers’ season unraveled in familiar fashion, leaving Herbert, Harbaugh, and the team with plenty to reflect on as another playoff run ended in heartbreak.