Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert recently made headlines for taking a bold step to ensure privacy during the team’s pregame huddle, just before an important playoff match against the Houston Texans. As cameras from major networks often capture moments leading up to games, Herbert felt it vital to maintain confidentiality in order to foster team unity and strategy ahead of the game.
Herbert’s Playoff Preparations
Before the Chargers faced the Texans in their AFC Wild Card playoff game on January 11, 2025, Herbert asked his teammate, Ben Herbert, to prevent NFL cameramen from filming their pregame activities. This request came after a previous incident where Amazon Prime aired his passionate and candid pregame speech during a Week 16 game, which included some choice words that had the viewers buzzing. The goal? To keep their strategies close to the vest, away from prying eyes.
The Unforgettable Week 16 Speech
During the Week 16 game against the Denver Broncos, Herbert delivered a motivational speech to his teammates that was so fiery that it caught the attention of viewers across the nation. Phrases like “You know what time it is” echoed through the locker room, rallying his teammates for victory. However, the exposure of such a speech left many players feeling uneasy about how much the media could see. This prompted Herbert to take decisive action before the playoff clash with the Texans.
Texans Dominates in Wild Card Matchup
Unfortunately, despite Herbert’s efforts at maintaining privacy, his performance suffered significantly during the game against the Texans. The Houston team put on a strong display, defeating the Chargers 32-12. The star quarterback faced immense pressure from the Texans’ defense, which led to numerous mistakes, including four interceptions and four sacks. One interception returned for a touchdown by Eric Murray highlighted just how challenging the day was for Herbert.
Challenges Ahead for the Chargers
Notably, this loss in the playoffs marked a disappointing end to a season where Herbert had previously shown remarkable prowess. With 3,870 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 65.9%, he was expected to perform well. Yet, against the Texans’ defense, which had been strong throughout the season, Herbert struggled to find his rhythm. This was not the kind of performance the Chargers had hoped for as they aimed for playoff glory.
Looking Forward
As the NFL playoffs roll on, all eyes will be on Justin Herbert to learn from this experience. How he responds and adjusts will be crucial for his future and for the Chargers as they rebuild and strategize moving forward. The lessons from this game can only add to his growth as a young quarterback striving for success in the league. Fans in Alabama and beyond will surely be keeping a close watch on his progress in the upcoming season.
| Stat | Justin Herbert | Houston Texans Defense |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Yards | 3,870 | N/A |
| Touchdowns | 23 | N/A |
| Interceptions | 3 | N/A |