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12/28 18:49 CST Out of AFC West race, playoff-bound Chargers to decide how much
to play Herbert against Broncos
Out of AFC West race, playoff-bound Chargers to decide how much to play Herbert
against Broncos
By DAN GREENSPAN
Associated Press
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) --- The Los Angeles Chargers have little to play for in
Week 18, which raises the question of whether quarterback Justin Herbert should
take the field in the regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos and
their league-leading pass rush.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said after a 20-16 loss to the Houston Texans on Saturday he
hadn't thought about it yet. Herbert talked as if he expects to play. But if
the Chargers (11-5) are going to have any meaningful chance to win in the
wild-card round and be a real threat in the playoffs, they need Herbert at full
strength, which might require holding him out of the game.
Everything that transpired against the Texans and their elite defensive line
indicated the best way to ensure the Chargers QB is ready for the postseason
would be to sit him.
Herbert was sacked five times and hit eight times as the offensive line showed
its one week revival in Dallas was indeed more the result of the Cowboys
defense.
Herbert was under siege, as he could be in Denver. The Broncos are averaging
four sacks per game, with outside linebackers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper
combining for 20 1/2 sacks this season. And with the top seed in the AFC, a
first-round bye and home-field advantage all at stake, that defense will have
plenty of incentive to go all-out.
Already playing with a surgically repaired non-throwing hand, Herbert went to
the sideline with that left hand and arm dangling after being sacked on the
first drive of the game against the Texans.
Fortunately for the Chargers, he was able to keep playing without issue,
showcasing Herbert's immense importance in trying to rally the Chargers out of
an early 14-0 deficit.
"I mean, every week he does things that are reserved for only the best in the
game --- heroic," Harbaugh said. "It's just the kind of competitor he is, and
so many feed off of him, we all feed off him. I kind of ran out of
superlatives, really."
Herbert is what makes the Chargers go. He is the main reason they are back in
the playoffs in spite of constant uncertainty at the offensive tackle spots
caused by injuries to starters Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Herbert's ability to
keep making plays with his arm and legs despite being one of the most hit
quarterbacks in the NFL has Los Angeles with consecutive 11-win seasons for
just the third time in franchise history.
Herbert has been the on-field avatar of Harbaugh's competitive philosophy,
"attacking everything with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind," as Harbaugh
described it at his introductory news conference in February 2024.
"Every game is the most important," Herbert said when asked about the
significance of facing the Broncos. "You dive into it and you give it your all
each week. I've got no doubt that this team will do that again next week."
That mindset is what might lead to Herbert playing in Denver, with the
intention of trying to establish some momentum.
What's working Herbert was 21 of 32 for 236 yards, one touchdown and an interception, while also leading the team with 37 yards rushing.
What needs help The typically sturdy Chargers secondary had major issues on its first two drives, which ended up costing the team the game. CB Donte Jackson tried to pass off Jayden Higgins, but there was no safety help, resulting in a 75-yard touchdown pass. Jaylin Noel followed that up with a 43-yard scoring catch coming across the field against S Elijah Molden.
Stock up WR Quentin Johnston kick-started the Chargers offense with a 60-yard catch and finished with five receptions for 98 yards. If the growth he has shown in the first two seasons of the Harbaugh era continues, Johnston can cement himself as the dominant passing game option outside the numbers Herbert has needed.
Stock down TE Oronde Gadsden II had two crucial drops, with one of them ending up being picked off by the Texans at the goal line late in the second quarter. The rookie did respond in the second half, finishing with three receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown.
Injuries The Chargers seemingly got through the game without further issue, but the absences of LT Jamaree Salyer (hamstring), return specialist Derius Davis (ankle), CB Benjamin St-Juste (shoulder) and rookie S R.J. Mickens (shoulder) all loomed large in the defeat.
Key number 68 --- K Cameron Dicker had made all 68 field-goal attempts inside of 40 yards before missing a 32-yarder wide right late in the first half. Dicker also missed an extra point.
Next steps The Chargers face the Broncos next week. Los Angeles is 5-0 against the AFC West this season, including a 23-20 win over Denver on Sept. 21. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
What's working Herbert was 21 of 32 for 236 yards, one touchdown and an interception, while also leading the team with 37 yards rushing.
What needs help The typically sturdy Chargers secondary had major issues on its first two drives, which ended up costing the team the game. CB Donte Jackson tried to pass off Jayden Higgins, but there was no safety help, resulting in a 75-yard touchdown pass. Jaylin Noel followed that up with a 43-yard scoring catch coming across the field against S Elijah Molden.
Stock up WR Quentin Johnston kick-started the Chargers offense with a 60-yard catch and finished with five receptions for 98 yards. If the growth he has shown in the first two seasons of the Harbaugh era continues, Johnston can cement himself as the dominant passing game option outside the numbers Herbert has needed.
Stock down TE Oronde Gadsden II had two crucial drops, with one of them ending up being picked off by the Texans at the goal line late in the second quarter. The rookie did respond in the second half, finishing with three receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown.
Injuries The Chargers seemingly got through the game without further issue, but the absences of LT Jamaree Salyer (hamstring), return specialist Derius Davis (ankle), CB Benjamin St-Juste (shoulder) and rookie S R.J. Mickens (shoulder) all loomed large in the defeat.
Key number 68 --- K Cameron Dicker had made all 68 field-goal attempts inside of 40 yards before missing a 32-yarder wide right late in the first half. Dicker also missed an extra point.
Next steps The Chargers face the Broncos next week. Los Angeles is 5-0 against the AFC West this season, including a 23-20 win over Denver on Sept. 21. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
