Chargers’ Playoff Woes Continue: A Post-Mortem Analysis
Ladd McConkey paused for a moment in front of his locker, still trying to process the Chargers’ latest playoff disappointment. “I don’t know,” he said, less than 24 hours after another humbling Chargers playoff loss. The tormenting 16-3 defeat to the New England Patriots in the AFC wild-card round sent the Chargers’ season to an early finish Sunday for the second consecutive season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Justin Herbert was pressured on 30 of 44 drop-backs, which was the second-highest pressure rate of the entire season, behind the Chargers’ Week 14 effort against the Philadelphia Eagles. Herbert, still searching for his first postseason victory after his third defeat Sunday, showed up in uncharacteristic fashion against the Patriots. Last season, he tossed a career-worst four interceptions in a playoff loss to Houston.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh walks of the field after a 16-3 loss to the Patriots in the AFC wild-card playoffs Sunday.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Offseason Uncertainty
Center Bradley Bozeman, often at the heart of public criticism over the Chargers’ offensive line, fought back tears when speaking about his struggles on the field. However, he got choked up the most talking about Herbert. “It just sucks that we can’t get him there,” Bozeman said. “That’s what sucks. He’s one of my best friends — and it sucks, like it just sucks, because I want it bad for him. I want it bad for myself, I want it bad for everybody, but him especially.”
Whatever the fix, if the Chargers have one, the makeup of the franchise will dramatically shift. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is being courted by a host of NFL teams — including the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders — for head coaching jobs. Wide receiver Keenan Allen, linebackers Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack, and defensive lineman Teair Tart are among 27 players set to hit free agency.
The Chargers also are set to have more than $100 million in salary-cap space to deal with for potential additions. Tart expressed interest in a potential extension contract with the team, as did Oweh: “Hopefully I see Joe Hortiz on my phone,” the veteran linebacker said. Mack, who also mulled retirement a season ago, is going to think about whether he wants to come back for a 13th NFL season.
Looking Ahead
Outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, who emerged in his third season in the NFL with 13 sacks, was asked if he felt anything needed to shift to turn playoff heartbreak into victories. Tuipulotu repeated a sentiment that defensive back Tarheeb Still and safety Daiyan Henley repeated earlier Monday: “I just hope everyone on defense comes back,” Tuipulotu said. For more information on the Chargers’ playoff woes, visit Here
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