After the tough loss to the Texans in the Wild Card game, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh had a lot to say about the O-Line. The game was a big letdown, and things didn’t go their way. Harbaugh didn’t sugarcoat it in his post-game comments. But now, it looks like he’s changing his tune a bit. It’s easy to be frustrated right after a tough loss. But sometimes, after you sit down and reflect you see things differently. Harbaugh’s shift in perspective is getting people’s attention. This happens to all of us. When we’re angry or disappointed, or when things don’t go the way we want, we say things we don’t mean.

Wondering what Coach Harbaugh has to say now? Well, he’s had a change of heart. It’s not like he completely blamed the offensive line for the team’s embarrassing 32-12 loss to the Texans. Even then, Harbaugh defended his QB Justin Herbert. Now, when talking about his offensive line, he believes, they have “improved in every area.”

Looks like, after thinking it over, Harbaugh’s giving credit to his O-line for the growth and effort, even after that tough loss. The HC also had some words of appreciation for his team’s tackles.

Talking about Zion Johnson (guard) and Rashawn Slater (offensive tackle), he added, “We feel like we have the absolute best tackle group in pro football.” 

Let’s be real folks, we all know in the Wild Card game, the offensive line just wasn’t up to par, right? But, the thing about Jim Harbaugh is that he never throws anyone under the bus publicly. (Even after a wild-card loss). Instead of pointing fingers at the O-line, the Chargers HC owned it all. Harbaugh straight-up said, “Not being the better team—I’m accountable for that.”

The Chargers‘ rushing game was nonexistent in that must-win Wild Card game. They finished with just 18 rushes for a measly 50 yards, while the Texans‘ Joe Mixon single-handedly put up 106 yards on 25 carries.

Justin Herbert-led O-line disappointed Coach Jim Harbaugh

Yes, Coach Harbaugh did take responsibility for the loss. But it’s no lie that the Chargers were as bad as anything in that game. They were not the team we all looked at in previous games. And Justin Herbert?

The QB struggled all game—14 completions out of 32 attempts, 242 yards, and four interceptions. That’s not the Herbert we know. In the post-game, even Harbaugh couldn’t dodge it. “Quarterback has gotta be able to finish the throwing motion,” said the HC.

But then again, Harbaugh had his back. “Like he always does. Complete beast,” said the HC when asked about Justin’s play. For Harbaugh, this loss had to sting after returning to the NFL after so long. He probably expected more out of his offense, but the HC will presumably take this one on the chin and move on. Now that the Chargers’ season has wrapped up, the 61-year-old faces some health stuff during the offseason.

Harbaugh will be undergoing two big medical procedures: a cardiac ablation and a hip replacement surgery. Not exactly the kind of break you want, right?

After dealing with an irregular heartbeat earlier in the season, it’s no surprise Jim focuses on his health now. (Getting the heart right and hip back to good seems like the priority). With these procedures lined up, Harbaugh is setting his sights on a full recovery, hoping to return next season, feeling better and stronger.