Justin Herbert’s five-word response to the Chargers’ Wild Card loss to the Texans

The The Los Angeles Chargers’ season ended in devastating fashion on Saturday, when they lost 32-12 Houston Texas in the AFC Wild Card round at NRG Stadium. Justin Herbertthe team’s star quarterback, bore the blame for the loss, saying, “I let the team down,” via Thuc Nhi Nguyen on X, formerly Twitter.

Herbert’s sentiment came after his worst game of the season. The quarterback, who threw just three interceptions during the regular season, threw a career-high four picks against Houston. It was the first time Herbert had ever thrown an interception and returned it for a touchdown in his career, as Texans safety Eric Murray capitalized on a costly fumble late in the third quarter.

Herbert finished the game completing just 14 of 32 passes for 242 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions, posting a poor 40.9 passer rating. Despite these struggles, he connected with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey for an 86-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 11 points. However, even that moment was marred by further misfortune as kicker Cameron Dicker’s extra point attempt was blocked and returned by D’Angelo Ross for two points, extending Houston’s lead.

The Chargers’ season ends after a disastrous performance by Justin Herbert

The Chargers entered the game full of hope after a strong finish to the regular season under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh. However, Houston’s defense, led by All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who recorded two interceptions, proved too much for Herbert and the Chargers’ offense.

The Texans’ offense, led by second-year quarterback CJ Stroud, overcame a shaky start. Stroud fumbled on Houston’s first offensive play, leading to an early 6-0 deficit, but recovered with a composed performance, finishing with 282 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. His 13-yard touchdown pass to Nick Collins late in the first half gave Houston a 10-6 halftime lead, and the Texans never looked back.

Stroud also converted a fumble for a 34-yard touchdown to Xavier Hutchinson, showing his poise under pressure. Running back Joe Mikon added 106 yards and a touchdown to seal the win for Houston.

After finishing the regular season strong, the Chargers hoped to make a deep playoff run, but their campaign ended in familiar disappointment. Herbert’s four-interception performance drew criticism, and the team’s inability to adjust against a growing Texans squad highlighted underlying problems.

As the Chargers head into the offseason, Herbert’s words after the game will resonate: “I let the team down. The organization now faces tough questions about how to turn regular-season promise into postseason success.