Chargers Offense: Justin Herbert Ends Touchdown Drought in Loss to Texans
The Los Angeles Chargers scored their first touchdown in nearly a month during a 44-22 defeat in Houston, but key drops and turnovers kept them from stopping an 11-game losing streak.
By Ella Cox ·
The Los Angeles Chargers finally broke their touchdown drought in a 44-22 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. The final score reflected persistent offensive issues that have plagued the team all season, despite the long-awaited points.
Justin Herbert completed a 58-yard pass to Quentin Johnston in the fourth quarter, ending a stretch of 12 consecutive quarters and 37 offensive drives without a touchdown. The dry spell began on Oct. 11. Backup quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei added a 15-yard touchdown pass to Derius Davis late in the fourth quarter. It marked the first time this season the Chargers recorded multiple passing touchdowns in a single game.
Herbert played through a taped finger, wearing a protective glove on his left hand. He completed 13 of 23 passes for 193 yards but threw his 11th interception of the season. Defenders sacked him a career-high eight times. The Chargers converted only five of 17 third-down attempts and accumulated 13 plays of negative yards.
Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel moved from the sideline to the booth to call plays, a change intended to jumpstart the stagnant unit. Head coach Jim Harbaugh noted that the team was outperformed on third down by both the Texans defense and the Texans offense.
Mistakes defined the first three quarters. Wide receiver Tre Harris dropped an open pass on the opening drive. Herbert missed open receivers in the end zone during the second quarter, underthrowing Harris and overthrowing Johnston. Before halftime, he threw a pass behind KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who was wide open over the middle. Running back Keaton Mitchell fumbled the ball away at the Texans 24-yard line in the third quarter.
Left tackle Joe Alt said the team wants to win football games and is not happy with the current point total. Tight end Charlie Kolar noted that being part of a struggling offense hurts. Herbert said the team must give its best effort and execute on third down to score points in the red zone.
The Chargers now have lost 11 consecutive games, their longest losing streak since starting 0-11 in 2000. They travel to Baltimore next week to face the Ravens, who are 4-5, before hosting the New York Jets.
