"A 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. Little went right against the Patriots in coach Jim Harbaugh 's second year in L.A., prompting questions about what needs to change to make the Chargers a Super Bowl contender."
"Against New England, there were offensive line woes and Justin Herbert getting pressured on 30 of 44 drop-backs, which, according to Pro Football Focus, 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."
"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. But the eighth-year veteran 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, becau"
The Chargers suffered a 16-3 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC wild-card round, ending the season early for the second consecutive year. The offense failed to establish a run game and allowed heavy pressure on Justin Herbert, who faced pressure on 30 of 44 drop-backs and was sacked six times. Herbert struggled to find open receivers and remains without a postseason victory after his third straight playoff defeat. Offensive-line problems drew public criticism and emotional responses from center Bradley Bozeman. Coach Jim Harbaugh, general manager Joe Hortiz and staff will assess coaching, personnel and schematic issues during a full offseason.
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