The Los Angeles Chargers were the lower-seeded team in their Wild Card Round matchup with the Houston Texans, but no one expected star quarterback Justin Herbert to be responsible for the loss.
The Chargers lost to the Texans, 32-12, with Herbert throwing four interceptions, including one that led to a pick-six by Houston safety Eric Murray. Surprisingly, Herbert’s interception total in this game surpassed the number he threw in the entire regular season, which was three in 17 games.
Chargers fans were unhappy with their quarterback’s performance, and some even raised concerns about his future with the team.
Fans React to Justin Herbert’s Meltdown Against the Texans
Despite Herbert’s 86-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, it was not enough to turn the game around. McConkey had a strong performance in his postseason debut, with nine receptions for 197 yards and a touchdown.
However, fans flooded social media with criticism towards Herbert.
“Serious conversations need to be held about Justin Herbert after this game,” one fan posted.
Serious conversations need to be held about Justin Herbert after this game
— Prez💊 ‘ (@PresidentEmbiid) January 12, 2025
“If I hear 1 more thing about Justin Herbert. Guy SUCKS,” high-profile sports media personality Dave Portnoy posted.
If I hear 1 more thing about Justin Herbert. Guy SUCKS
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) January 12, 2025
Comparisons were quickly made on social media, with some ranking Herbert below other quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Brock Purdy, Joe Burrow, and even Trevor Lawrence.
“Justin Herbert, you’ll never fool me again,” one user wrote. “This guy looked like a tier 1 QB all year & fell apart in the playoffs. It is what it is but I don’t want this guy in convos with Joe Burrow anymore.”
Justin Herbert, you’ll never fool me again.
This guy looked like a tier 1 QB all year & fell apart in the playoffs. It is what it is but I don’t want this guy in convos with Joe Burrow anymore.
— EA (@EAB_740) January 12, 2025
“Lack of objectivity when analyzing QBs is pretending that Justin Herbert has accomplished more than Brock Purdy when, in fact, he has accomplished far less,” a 49ers analyst posted.
Lack of objectivity when analyzing QBs is pretending that Justin Herbert has accomplished more than Brock Purdy when, in fact, he has accomplished far less
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) January 12, 2025
Although these comparisons may seem extreme, some fans highlighted Herbert’s lack of success compared to other quarterbacks in the league.
“Every year the playoffs come around and every year I have absolutely no idea what people are talking about when they rank Justin Herbert ahead of Jalen Hurts,” one fan expressed.
Every year the playoffs come around and every year I have absolutely no idea what people are talking about when they rank Justin Herbert ahead of Jalen Hurts
— Jordie (@jordiebarstool) January 12, 2025
Despite the disappointment in Herbert, there is optimism for the Chargers in the future under head coach Jim Harbaugh, as their playoff appearance shows promise for what’s to come.
