Jim Harbaugh told reporters before leaving Las Vegas that Houston Texans would provide a challenge for the Los Angeles Chargers if they didn’t bring their “A-game” if they plan on winning this Saturday.
DeMeco Ryans offered a similar sentiment toward the roster coming in from California on Monday.
The Texans kickstart wild-card round weekend with a battle against Justin Herbert and a surging Chargers offense. The last time Harbaugh stepped foot in NRG Stadium, he walked out with a national title under his arm.
That’s a winning formula as translated to a team out west.
“We’re really excited about this matchup versus the Chargers,” Ryans said Monday. “Really well-coached football team. You can see Coach (Jim) Harbaugh’s imprint on the football team instantly. Just how sound they are, in all three phases, really sound football team.”
Headlined by Justin Herbert, the Chargers are riding a three-game winning streak to close out 2024. After suffering a season-ending injury in 2024, Hebert rebounded, leading the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio (23:3) while bolstering a 101.7 passer rating.
“Justin Herbert is one of the better quarterbacks in the league, “Ryans said. “He’s done a really good job of just protecting the football. He doesn’t turn the ball over a lot, and that’s a lot to be said for a quarterback who does that. Really puts his team in really good situations. They move down the field. They’re good on third down.”
While Herbert is the headliner, rookie Ladd McConkey has been the scene-stealer as Los Angeles’ top weapon. The second-round pick out of Georgia was a consistent threat in the slot, leading the Bolts in receptions (82), receiving yards (1,149) and explosive plays (15).
McConkey also finished with seven touchdown receptions while averaging 14.0 yards per catch.
“He’s an elite route runner, very shifty, moves all over the place,” Ryans said. “You can tell they have that instant connection between McConkey and Herbert. And it’s a real connection. He’s all over the field, making plays for him, catching a lot of footballs and he’s a dynamic player.”
Defensively, Los Angeles enters NRG Stadium boasting the NFL’s top defense in points per game (17.7) and opposing red-zone touchdown percentage (44.6%). With a combination of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, the Bolts also rank top-five in opposing third-down conversion percentage (35.7%) and sack (46).
The pass-rushing duo might be the least of Houston’s worries. All-Pro defensive back Derwin James is the target the Texans must eliminate if they plan on finding the end zone.
“We’ve got to find Derwin James. He’s all over the place,” Ryans said. “You talk about blitzing, safety, nickel, whatever position you want to call it. Derwin is playing lights-out and he’s an impact player. We have to have awareness for where he is at all times.”
Kickoff on Saturday afternoon is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on CBS and Paramount+.
