The Chargers were never good enough. During the entire regular season, they struggled, allowing rivals to sack their QB 41 times, but this one game would haunt them for years. And the worst thing happened when everything was at stake. Justin Herbert, who had 3 interceptions throughout the season, on Saturday alone, the Texans intercepted him 4 times. Imagine the disappointment! Even after trying his best, Herbert looked nothing more than helpless whose O-line failed. HC Jim Harbaugh came out with his thoughts after the loss.

On Saturday, the young QB CJ Stroud led the Texans into the next round of the playoffs. After the 12-32 loss, the Chargers HC was furious. While throwing his O-line under the bus, Harbaugh said, “Quarterback has gotta be able to finish the throwing motion.” The rivals’ defense completely overwhelmed them. Though the HC praised his QB, “Like he always does. Complete beast,” the disappointment is strong.

With only 25:35 minutes of possession, what else did they expect? It was a total failure. While the Texans lost 86 yards for 8 penalties compared to 10 yards for 2 penalties by the Chargers, they still looked the better team. Justin Herbert’s performance was dismal with 14-32 passes, covering 242 yards with 4 interceptions. That dominant the Texans were. And they emerged victorious.

At the 12:50 mark in the 2nd quarter, the Chargers were on a 3rd & 4 play. Justin Herbert took his time and passed right to the WR Quentin Johnston, but the Texans CB Kamari Lassiter was on his tail, forcing him to drop the ball out of his hand. The home was prepared. While Jim Harbaugh was pumping his fists in the air when Ladd McConkey scored a touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Texans blocked Cameron Dicker’s extra-point kick. After recovering the ball, CB D’Angelo Ross ran to his end zone and got 2 points.

While the Chargers head coach didn’t show any sadness after the game, he couldn’t control his emotions. Like a true sportsman, he congratulated his rivals for their better performance. Yet the failure needed to be answered.

Jim Harbaugh takes the blame for the wildcard defeat

While speaking to the reporters after the game, the Chargers HC praised the Texans whole-heartedly and said, “They were the better team today, all respect to them.” But while congratulating them, he also accepted his failure to mount his defense and added, “Not being the better team-I’m accountable for that. Congratulations to DeMeco Ryans and the Texans.” Harbaugh would remember this one for a long time.

This is the first wildcard loss for Jim Harbaugh. When he coached the 49ers from 2011 to 2014, he took them to playoffs thrice, losing in the NFC Championship game in 2011 and 2013, and a Super Bowl loss to Ravens in 2012. But more than the defeat itself, it’s the way they lost.

The entire Chargers rushing unit recorded 18 rushes for 50 yards, while the Texans’ RB Joe Mixon alone had 25 rushes for 106 yards. That’s something they will never forget. It’s time to move on. And find the changes they need to become a better team.