In a heartfelt post-game press conference, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed unwavering support for quarterback Justin Herbert following the team's disappointing 32-12 playoff defeat to the Houston Texans. Despite the harsh reality of the loss, Harbaugh emphasized that Herbert’s struggles were not reflective of his talent or capability, but rather a failure in coaching and preparation.

Herbert's performance raised eyebrows, as the young QB threw four interceptions during the game—a stark contrast to the three interceptions he accumulated throughout the entire regular season. This result not only marked the Chargers’ exit from the playoffs but also pushed Herbert's playoff record to 0-2, igniting discussions about his performances in crucial game situations.

Harbaugh pushed back against the criticism directed at Herbert, calling it "completely unfair." He acknowledged the team’s overall shortcomings, taking full responsibility for the loss. “I wouldn’t spend two more seconds thinking about what happened in that game,” Harbaugh stated. “It didn’t go well, and that’s on me. I really felt going into that tournament that we were as good as the best teams in the playoffs. Not just as good as any team, but as good as the best teams in the playoffs. That day, we were not the better team—that’s my responsibility.

The coach reflected further on the game, noting, “We did not play complementary football well enough. We weren’t our best when our best was needed.” Harbaugh stressed that they failed to effectively set up Herbert for success during the game, despite Herbert’s raw talent and resilience. “We did him a disservice and didn’t put him in the positions to be successful enough, but he played like a beast,” he added, highlighting Herbert's determination despite the challenging circumstances.

With the season now behind them, the Chargers face off-season decisions and pressures as they recover from this heartbreaking loss. The organization and fans alike remain optimistic about Herbert's potential, hoping that under Harbaugh's leadership, the team can regroup and make a stronger playoff push next season. How they address this playoff exit and improve their strategy will be critical as they aim to transform Herbert's impressive talent into consistent postseason victories.