The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2023 playoffs with a sense of optimism, largely fueled by the exceptional talent of their young quarterback, Justin Herbert. However, after a disheartening 32-12 wild-card loss to the Houston Texans, those hopes quickly diminished, leaving fans and analysts questioning the future of their franchise quarterback. Herbert’s performance, characterized by four interceptions, was atypical of the player who had notably limited turnovers during the regular season. This drastic shift raises critical questions not just about Herbert’s capabilities, but also about the broader support structures surrounding him—coaching, game plan, and player execution.
In the aftermath of Herbert’s subpar showing, head coach Jim Harbaugh openly acknowledged his shortcomings. His remarks reflected a genuine concern for his quarterback’s well-being and development: “We did him a disservice and didn’t put him in the positions to be successful.” This statement is pivotal; it emphasizes the role of coaching in nurturing a player’s performance on the biggest stage. While Herbert was hailed as a “beast” for his talent, the apparent disconnect between coaching strategy and execution played a significant role in the debacle. If the game plan is flawed or if the execution lags, even the most talented players can falter under pressure—a reality that Herbert experienced firsthand.
Despite entering the playoff game with the fewest interceptions in the NFL during the regular season (only three), Herbert’s decisions against the Texans were surprisingly poor. Notably, his first interception was a result of an ill-advised cross-body throw that ended up in the hands of cornerback Kamari Lassiter. This lapse in judgment starkly contrasted with the precision and calculated risk-taking fans had come to admire. Then came a high throw resulting in a pick-six, further amplifying the mounting frustration. The uncharacteristic nature of these mistakes begs the question: was it simply an off-day, or did the cumulative pressure of playoffs distort his decision-making?
Herbert faced a relentless Texans pass rush that pressured him on nearly half of his dropbacks. The ability to maintain composure amidst this pressure is what defines elite quarterbacks; however, Herbert’s performance suggested that the mounting pressure may have affected his confidence, leading to those errant throws. Coach Harbaugh’s assertion that the offensive line failed to adequately protect Herbert adds another layer to this narrative: a stellar quarterback cannot shine if he is consistently under siege. A quarterback’s well-being in the pocket is paramount, and without that protection, performance can plummet.
Criticism on Herbert’s playoff record is inevitable given his 0-2 postseason standing, particularly considering he squandered a 27-0 lead in his previous playoff appearance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Yet, general manager Joe Hortiz’s assertion that early playoff failures should not detract from Herbert’s immense potential is a rationale worth exploring. Long-term success in the NFL often requires time, learning, and growth, much like the careers of legends like Peyton Manning and Lamar Jackson, who also faltered early on. Rushing to label Herbert as a playoff liability after just two games is shortsighted and dismisses the complexities inherent in development, particularly in high-stakes scenarios.
As Herbert and the Chargers face the aftermath of this playoff disappointment, the focus now shifts to a larger conversation about growth and resilience. While blame may swirl around offensive decisions and individual performances, the collective responsibility to evolve remains crucial. The franchise must ensure they establish the right support system that fosters Herbert’s development. After all, it’s not merely about salvaging a disappointing season but rather about leveraging this experience to cultivate a quarterback capable of conquering future playoff challenges. The NFL is unforgiving, but for every setback, there lies the potential for resurgence—an opportunity that the Chargers must seize moving forward.