So, wow. This one got away from the Chargers, and they never really got it back. It looked like the Bolts were going to take an early onslaught and just start gradually putting the game away in the first couple dives. The Texans were seemingly getting shut down in every aspect.
And then… once the botched snap happened, and CJ Stroud was able to recover with a deep completion, deep into Chargers territory… it was the beginning of the end. Texans 32, Chargers 12. Houston advances, Chargers head home to plan for 2025.
So, here’s what I saw:
Los Angeles Chargers
They looked increasingly solid, especially the defense. Until turnovers really started becoming insurmountable, the defense was holding the Chargers in the game. And then an age-old Chargers problem reared its ugly head: FGs don’t win playoff games. Period.
The defense was stunning, causing three notable takeaways, and one near INT that really kept them in contention.
Ladd McConkey continued to be a bright shining light on offense as Herbert’s “go-to” guy. Including an 86 yard bomb for a TD. Dissly proved to be still a satisfactory weapon at TE, but helped contribute to the INT party as one pass bounced off of his hands, right to a Texans defender.
Moving into 2025, the Chargers will want to keep chugging along, learning how to play Harbaugh ball. And really put their offensive line under the microscope, heading into the draft and free agency, this spring.
Houston Texans
CJ Stroud is some sort of magician. Ever elusive, and able to keep the play alive long enough for one of his guys to get open- there’s a reason Houston is where they are, despite multiple crucial injuries this year - and it’s Stroud.
Their pass rush: dominant. Their secondary, attentive. And when it’s time to turn up the heat, they understand the assignment. They had Herbert under fire like a turkey in the oven that everyone went to sleep and forgot about.
Moving forward…
Houston is going to cause a definite problem for anyone they face, advancing into the playoffs.
The Chargers will need to focus are strengthening their O-line and finding Herbert a Mike Williams replacement, to complement McConkey, Dissly and a pretty good J. K. Dobbins-led rushing attack.
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