The Chargers fell to the Texans by the score of 41-29.
To recap Week 16, here is everything we know:
It was over when…
Davis Mills found Nico Collins to put the Texans up, 34-23, with 3:23 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Notable numbers of the game
The Texans were 9-of-13 on third-down attempts.
The Chargers turned the ball over three times.
The Texans won the time of possession battle, 34:52 to 25:08.
The Chargers allowed 437 yards.
Quick takes
– Justin Herbert was efficient for the most part, finishing the game with a 77% completion percentage. However, he made some questionable decisions with his passes that were picked off.
– Filling in for Austin Ekeler, who was out with COVID-19, Justin Jackson had a great showing. Aside from the costly fumble in the fourth quarter, Jackson was effective both on the ground and in the passing game, totaling 162 yards from scrimmage and two rushing touchdowns.
– A good chunk of Herbert’s production came in the short areas from Jackson. But he spread the wealth throughout the afternoon. Jason Moore, Josh Palmer, Jared Cook, and Keenan Allen had at least three catches. Moore led the pack with 56 yards, while Palmer had five receptions for 43 yards and a score.
– For the most part, the Corey Linsley-less offensive line held its own. Herbert was sacked just once. The group was dinged for penalties on two occasions (holding by Scott Quessenberry and a false start by Rashawn Slater). The Chargers finished 4.2 yards per carry.
– The depth of defense has been tested this season, but it was exploited against a Texans offense led by a rookie quarterback who was without his top skill player in Brandin Cooks and three starters along the offensive line.
– Without Justin Jones and Joe Gaziano, two of the better defenders up front, the Chargers were gashed for 189 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
– Kenneth Murray, who got the start in place of Joey Bosa and Chris Rumph II, struggled. He showed he lacks the strength at the point of attack to hold his ground, the inability to disengage when blockers get their hands on him, and a lack of a plan when rushing the passer.
– Missed tackles are also to blame for the team’s run defense woes.
– Davis Mills put together a solid performance, but the lack of pass rush and talent in the secondary was evident. Without Michael Davis, they were forced to lean on Davontae Harris, who allowed the 41-yard touchdown right before the half. The team was also down Derwin James.
– Asante Samuel Jr. and Alohi Gilman returned, but some rust was seen in their games, which is to be expected after missing the last four and five games, respectively.
What’s next?
The Chargers return home to take on the Broncos on Jan. 2 at 1:05 pm PT.