Chargers' persistent offensive line issues threaten to derail their season

"Herbert certainly felt the thunder against the Texans. The NFL's top defense recorded 26 pressures as it swarmed through the Chargers' offensive line en route to a 20-16 win Saturday. And Herbert saw the lightning, best represented by second-string defensive end Derek Barnett's back-to-back sacks to halt the Chargers' first drive of the second half. The latter of Barnett's takedowns - part of the Texans' five sacks and eight tackles for loss - came when he spun past Bobby Hart and brought down Herbert for a seven-yard loss."

""I mean, it's just football," Hart said when asked if he was dwelling on Barnett's pair of sacks or losing a one-on-one against Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter in the first quarter that left Herbert grimacing and favoring his surgically repaired left hand. Hart added: "People make plays - defenders, guys, catch the ball. Quarterbacks might have some throws that you want back. It's just a part of the football game.""

"But in a game previewing the quality of defenses the Chargers could face in the postseason, the offensive line - hit hard by the losses of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt to injury - struggled to adequately protect Herbert. "Just too many mistakes," right tackle Trey Pipkins III said. "Whatever it was - sacks and untimely situations - we started really slow.""

Justin Herbert endured heavy pressure as the Texans generated 26 pressures and five sacks en route to a 20-16 victory. Derek Barnett recorded back-to-back sacks, including a seven-yard takedown after spinning past Bobby Hart. Bobby Hart was removed in the third quarter after coach Jim Harbaugh said he was having trouble getting in the rhythm. Austin Deculus and Trevor Penning made temporary line changes, producing the Chargers' 24th offensive-line combination of the season. The offensive line has been weakened by Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt injuries and failed to consistently protect Herbert. The Chargers trailed 14-3 at halftime and punted on each of their first four drives.

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