The Los Angeles Chargers’ hopes for a successful playoff run in the 2025 season have been dashed following a disappointing 16-3 defeat to the New England Patriots. Quarterback Justin Herbert, who had been a standout performer throughout the season, took responsibility for the loss, citing his own uncharacteristically poor performance as a key factor in the game’s outcome.
Herbert’s statistics reflected a struggle, completing 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards without any touchdowns. Despite leading the Chargers in rushing with 55 yards, his inability to make critical plays when it mattered most left a significant mark on the game. “I didn’t play well enough and didn’t make any plays,” Herbert stated after the game. “And when it mattered most, we didn’t score any points.”
During the matchup, Herbert missed crucial opportunities. On the Chargers’ opening drive, he failed to connect with a wide-open Ladd McConkey, who was positioned for what could have been a substantial gain or even a touchdown, opting instead for a nine-yard scramble. The third quarter saw another missed chance when McConkey, having outpaced the Patriots’ secondary, was underthrown by Herbert, resulting in a pass breakup by cornerback Marcus Jones Davis.
While the Chargers’ offensive line provided adequate protection for most of the game, Herbert’s decision-making faltered. On one notable play, he drifted around the pocket only to slip on the field, resulting in a sack by Patriots outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson. “Quarterback play wasn’t good enough,” Herbert admitted, highlighting the team’s overall struggles in the postseason.
The loss marks Herbert’s third consecutive defeat in playoff games, and he remains winless in the postseason. His regular-season success, which earned him a second Pro Bowl selection, has not translated into playoff victories. When asked about his confidence to secure a playoff win in the future, Herbert responded, “Yeah, I don’t know. I haven’t figured it out yet, and it hasn’t happened. So, we’ll have to reevaluate and see what happens.”
Despite the offensive shortcomings, the Chargers’ defense performed admirably, keeping the team in contention throughout the game. The defensive line pressured Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, recording five sacks and forcing two turnovers. Linebacker Odafe Oweh, acquired in a trade in October, stood out with three sacks, setting a franchise record for a single postseason game.
The Patriots only managed to score their first touchdown with just under ten minutes left in the fourth quarter, when Maye connected with tight end Hunter Henry for a 28-yard touchdown. Herbert acknowledged the defense’s efforts, stating, “We let the defense down today.”
The Chargers are now 0-2 in the postseason under head coach Jim Harbaugh, with their offensive performances raising questions about the team’s strategy. The offense has only managed to score two touchdowns across its two playoff games under Harbaugh’s leadership. When pressed about the suitability of offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Harbaugh refrained from providing a definitive answer, stating, “We’re going to look at that and everything.”
In the locker room, Herbert received support from teammates who praised his resilience in the face of adversity. Right guard Mekhi Becton defended the quarterback’s performance, asserting, “I don’t think he did anything wrong. When we’ve got No. 10 back there, we can do anything.”
As the Chargers reflect on their playoff exit, the focus will be on how to improve and break through the postseason barrier that has eluded Herbert and the franchise thus far.
