Herbert (4 INTs) critical of play as Chargers' season ends - ESPN

HOUSTON — After one of the worst games of his career in Saturday's 32-12 playoff loss to the Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert took accountability for his struggles.

«I let the team down,» he said. "… You can't turn the ball over like that and expect to win.… I just have to be better."

It was an uncharacteristically lousy game from Herbert. He finished 14-of-32 passing (43.8%), the worst completion percentage in a playoff game by a Charger since Philip Rivers in 2006, and tied for third worst in franchise history (minimum 20 attempts). Herbert threw a league-low three interceptions during the regular season but had four against the Texans, making him the first player in NFL history to throw more picks in a playoff game than in the regular season (minimum 200 attempts).

Herbert's mistakes began in the second quarter. With 11:39 left and the Chargers leading 6-0 and in the red zone, he rolled to the right side of the field on play-action and threw the ball across his body to receiver Quentin Johnston on the left. But the pass was was underthrown and intercepted by cornerback Kamari Lassiter.

Late in the third quarter, Herbert threw a ball too high for wide receiver Ladd McConkey that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by safety Eric Murray. It was Herbert's first pick-6 since 2022.

His third interception came because of a drop by tight end Will Dissly, but his last later in the fourth quarter came on another underthrown ball to wide receiver DJ Chark, who had a step 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 said.

Coach Jim Harbaugh was quick to defend