Chargers review: Plenty of heavy lifting to do in order to reach elite level
What we learned and what we heard after the Houston Texans bounced the Chargers from the AFC playoffs Saturday was crystal clear. The Chargers weren’t good enough on the day to defeat the Texans and advance to the next round. What comes next is what comes next.
Coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz will speak with reporters Wednesday to address the past, the present and a future that appears to be very bright for the franchise despite a resounding 32-12 defeat Saturday. It’s assumed they’ll provide clarity on how they’ll approach trying to get the Chargers to the next level.
Here’s more in the final Chargers review of the 2024 season:
BAD DAY IN H-TOWN
The Chargers weren’t very good offensively, defensively or on special teams. One lackluster aspect of their play might have been excusable, but all three together spelled trouble from the opening minutes. It’s been a rare day or night when nothing rose to the level of the Chargers’ lofty standards.
Harbaugh blamed himself.
Repeatedly.
“They were the better team (Saturday),” Harbaugh said after the game. “So, respect. Not being the better team, I’m accountable for that. Congratulations to (Texans coach) DeMeco Ryans. … That’s on me. All facets, all facets, all facets. That’s my reaction. I’m accountable. Went bad. That’s on me.”
Quarterback Justin Herbert blamed himself.
Repeatedly.
“It’s tough,” Herbert said at game’s end. “I let the team down. You can’t turn over the ball like that and expect to win. I put the team in a tough position with four turnovers. The defense hung tough. They got some turnovers. They gave us opportunities. But I just have to be better.”
In the immediate aftermath, it was impossible to disagree with either Harbaugh or Herbert. Something definitely was amiss in the Chargers’ game almost from beginning to end. However, it was encouraging to hear them take responsibility for their shortcomings. It was a sign of good leadership.
The Chargers have survived poor play from their offense in the past and still managed to be competitive and, in fact, victorious. But, after a credible start, the Chargers’ defense unraveled, too. Their special teams gave up a blocked punt and a blocked extra point for the first time this season.
Credit goes to the Texans, too. The Chargers didn’t face a defensive front or a secondary as aggressive as Houston’s all season. Herbert didn’t respond well to either, forcing passes and throwing a career-high four interceptions. The Chargers seemed to abandon their running game in the second half.
WHAT COMES NEXT
One thing is certain, and that’s the fact that the Chargers’ roster won’t be the same when they reconvene for offseason workouts in the spring. Hortiz made it clear from the beginning that he would tinker with the roster in ways great and small in order to improve the team at all positions.
For starters, it’s possible the Chargers could lose outside linebacker Khalil Mack. Despite another standout season and his ninth Pro Bowl selection, Mack, an unrestricted free agent, told reporters Sunday he hasn’t made up his mind about playing next season. He said he would make a decision in a few weeks.
“There are some things I need to talk through with my wife, spend some time with my kids, and try not to make a rash decision after a loss,” Mack said. “Try not to be too emotional through this process.”
For another example, running back J.K. Dobbins, another free agent, said he’d like to re-sign with the Chargers after rushing for a career-high 905 yards plus nine touchdowns in his first season with the team. He told reporters, “I love the city. I love the fanbase here. Hopefully, I’m here forever.”
“I do,” Dobbins said of wanting to remain with the Chargers. “Bolt fam has welcomed me with open arms.”
Free agency begins in mid-March, when the start of the 2025 season officially begins. The NFL scouting combine will be held several weeks before the draft April 24-25-26. Offseason workouts can begin in late April and will continue in May and June. Training camps traditionally open late in July.
NEXT (PART 2)
The league won’t announce the 2025 schedule until the springtime, but we know who the Chargers’ opponents will be. They’ll play Denver, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Minnesota and Washington at SoFi Stadium. They’ll play Denver, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Dallas, Jacksonville, Miami, New York Giants and Tennessee on the road.