Herbert posted a career-worst 43.8 completion percentage, completing 14-of-32 passes for 242 yards with a TD and four INTs for a career-high 40.9 passer rating in the wild-card loss. It was the only career NFL or college game in which Herbert threw 3-plus INTs or a completion percentage under 45, according to NFL Research.
Herbert’s four interceptions in the 2024 Wild Card were the most by a Chargers QB in a playoff game since Stan Humphries threw four in his 1995 Wild Card Round loss to the Colts.
Herbert was baffled by the Houston pass rush last January, taking four sacks and being pressured on 39% of his drops. The Chargers continue to deal with offensive issues this season, with multiple starters going down with injuries. Those same concerns will be in play on Saturday.
“I think it’s going to be very important, it’s just ball security in this game,” he said. “Just understanding that we have to do these three things: secure the ball, score points in the red zone and convert on third downs.”
The Chargers reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2006-2009 (the first four seasons with Philip Rivers as the starting QB). Jim Harbaugh’s 11-4 club can control its way to the AFC West title. A win over Houston would set up a Week 18 winner-takes-all matchup with the Broncos in Denver — the Chargers beat the Broncos 23-20 in Week 3 and would have the tiebreaker if both teams finish with the same record.