EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Justin Herbert knew what the conversation was going to be when he stepped up to the podium on Tuesday afternoon — last January.
The Chargers (11-4) face the Houston Texans (10-5) this Saturday afternoon in a rematch of the Wild Card game last January, a contest Houston won 32-12.
It was the worst game of Herbert’s career. He threw four interceptions, and whether they were all his fault or not is now old news.
The fact is Herbert stood at the podium on Tuesday and was brutally honest.
“No one felt worse than I did after that game,” Herbert said. “And I think it’s important to continue to move forward and realize that it’s what happened. It would be crazy of me to deny the truth of what happened and to live in this reality where if I tried to block it out, I don’t think that’s doing any good.”
Herbert was real when he answered the question.
It isn’t easy to play the quarterback position. The quarterback is the hero when the team wins, but the joker when they lose.
For Jim Harbaugh’s squad, though, Saturday isn’t a “revenge” game. There is nothing they can do about last year.
Brandon Sloter / Sporting Tribune
Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after being sacked in the second half during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas.
When the ball is kicked off at 1:30 p.m. at SoFi Stadium, the Chargers will simply be facing an AFC opponent — their next adversary.
“I try not to make the same mistake twice and I think that’s the most important thing,” Herbert said.
The Chargers clinched a playoff spot on Monday when Philip Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts lost to the San Francisco 49ers, 48-27.
“It’s really cool,” Herbert said. “I think it’s a sign of all the hard work we put together as a team this year. All three phases, we play for each other and I think that’s what’s so special about this team. Mixed emotions watching the game last night.
“Obviously, I was rooting for Phil and everything. At the same time you want to get a playoff spot. It was just really cool to watch him, too.”
This team isn’t the same as last year — especially on offense. The Chargers team that Houston faced last season lacked the running identity they have developed with Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal. The weaponry has also improved at receiver and tight end, with Keenan Allen returning while Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith have produced over the last few weeks.
The defense is flying around, with five defenders recording two interceptions or more. The pass rush of Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Odafe Oweh has combined for 25.5 sacks.
Herbert also believes he has learned from his mistakes.
“Those are games that, as hard as they are to watch, you got to learn from them,” he said.
Jessica Cryderman – The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker, Del’Shawn Phillips (53) celebrates a fumble recovery during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 9, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.
Herbert knows how elite this Texans defense is. It features one of the best cornerback duos in the league in Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, along with an edge-rushing tandem of Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter that has combined for 24.5 sacks.
The two teams are similar in form. Houston has won 10 of its last 12 games since starting the season 0-3, while the Chargers have won seven of their last nine. Both teams also enter Saturday riding winning streaks.
Houston struggled in its 23-21 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty totaled 188 yards and two touchdowns.
Expect Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman to take notice — and look to exploit it.
“I think that’s going to be really important, is just ball security in this game,” he said. “Just understanding that we got to do those three things: ball security, scoring points in the red zone and converting on third down.”
Saturday is a big game for both squads, but the Chargers have struggled against the AFC South. They blew a 27-point lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 and followed it up with a playoff loss to the Texans in 2025.
Herbert has been the man for the Chargers since taking over in Week 2 of the 2020 season. He has led them to 11 wins this year — winning ugly, in blowouts, and in close games.
Whatever happens Saturday, the game will depend on Herbert — exactly how Harbaugh wants it. He often talks about wanting the ball in his best player’s hands.
If the Chargers want to stay in the AFC West hunt, and if they truly are the team that beat the Eagles, Chiefs, and Cowboys over the last three weeks, a victory is crucial.
They need Herbert to be Herbert and continue leading this team toward the playoffs.
“I think it’s important to hold yourself responsible and accountable,” Herbert said.