The exciting 2024 season for the Los Angeles Chargers has come to an end, as they lost handily to the Houston Texans on Saturday 32-12. Their opening drive actually produced some optimism, as the Chargers moved the ball well down the field, but couldn't punch it into the endzone and opted for the field goal.
The defense immediately made an impact afterwards, after Alohi Gilman forced a fumble on John Metchie, giving the Chargers the ball back in solid field position. The offense couldn't score once again, kicking another field goal and going up 6-0. That was the story for most of the day, as the Chargers offense just didn't come to play.
The defense gave them chances, forcing multiple turnovers and keeping the score close for as long as they could. Justin Herbert, who came into the game with just three interceptions all season, threw four against the Texans, one being returned for a touchdown. The only offensive player that made an impact was rookie Ladd McConkey, who had nine catches for 197 yards and one touchdown, owning the bulk of the Chargers' yards on the day.
McConkey's 86-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter provided some optimism that the Chargers could mount a comeback. However, their extra point attempt was blocked and returned for two points, spelling out their fate for the remainder of the game. Even when they did something right, it ended up being wrong.
The Chargers' first year under Jim Harbaugh was fun, but ended with a deflating loss in Houston.
Justin Herbert threw more interceptions today (4) than he had the entire regular season (3).
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 12, 2025
Bonkers.
The Chargers are committing heinous acts of tomfoolery
— Clique Productions (@ImClique_) January 12, 2025
Cannot believe the committee let the Chargers in.
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) January 12, 2025
That was an insane 4 play sequence.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 12, 2025
Texans massive sack.
Texans massive sack.
Chargers 86 yard touchdown.
Texans block & return 2-pt conversion.
Chaos.
If you polled football fans and asked them which team would have the first successful fair catch free kick in 50 years and also allow the first defensive 2-pt conversion in playoff history, both in the same season, I think every single person would answer the Chargers.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) January 12, 2025
This would actually explain why the Chargers have completely fallen apart since the middle of the second quarter.pic.twitter.com/ivKWg6QhLh
— Schlasser (@UrinatingTree) January 11, 2025
The Chargers will finish the 2024 season with a win over one team with a winning record, the no. 7 seed Broncos. Texans advance.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) January 12, 2025
I tried to tell Chargers fans they had to learn the hard way. Next time just leave me be.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 12, 2025
The #Chargers finish the season 2-6 against teams with 10+ win, both against the Broncos.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 12, 2025
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/chargers/ as Los Angeles Chargers shredded for playoff flop during loss to Texans.