Justin Herbert: I let the team down

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert made history wrong on Saturday.

Herbert threw three interceptions during the regular season, but his four interceptions were the main reason for the Chargers’ 32-12 loss to the Texans. Herbert is the first running back with at least 200 tackles in a season to throw more interceptions in a playoff game than in the regular season, and errant throws were his focus when he spoke to reporters after the game.

“I let the team down” Herbert said via the team’s website. “You can’t turn the ball over like that and expect to win. Put the team in a difficult position with four such turnovers. The defense was solid, they had some turnovers, they gave us chances. I just have to get better.”

Other Chargers complained about the lack of protection for Herbert throughout the afternoon and there was a lot to improve on that front, but the NFL is a quarterback’s league and the Chargers’ failure to capitalize on a number of opportunities to build a big lead early in the game will fall squarely on Herbert’s shoulders as a result. .

That’s even more true given that Herbert has now disappointed in both of his playoff appearances. Getting over that hump is the next big milestone he’ll need to reach as he tries to climb the NFL quarterback ladder.