The Los Angeles Chargers looked like a completely different team from the one that had finished the regular season with an 11-6 overall record and a spot in the AFC Wild Card game. Quarterback Justin Herbert couldn't find his connections, throwing three interceptions before the clock hit 10 minutes remaining, and the defense couldn't contain the Houston Texans' offense.
However, with 6 points in their back pocket and a 17-point deficit, Herbert finally found wideout Ladd McConkey downfield. The former Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver broke tackles and evaded defenders as he took the ball 86 yards down the field to score LA's first touchdown of the game.
AN 86-YARD TOUCHDOWN FOR LADD MCCONKEY ON 3RD & 26! 😱
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 12, 2025
🎥 NFL, CBS
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By the time McConkey found the end zone, he had amassed 8 receptions for a resounding 188 receiving yards – the Chargers only had 233 receiving yards as an entire team at that point of the game.
The point-after attempt by former Texas kicker Cameron Dicker was blocked by the defensive line. Dicker then tried to swat the ball down but it went straight to Houston's Xavier Hutchinson who returned it for a two-point touchdown.
Despite McConkey's valiant effort to find the end zone for the first time that night, the Chargers trailed by a shocking 13 points.
The Texans, led by former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud had found their rhythm in the second quarter, scoring 10 points in less than one minute before the two teams headed to their locker rooms at halftime.
The Chargers, who had averaged 34 points per game throughout the regular season, simply were not themselves as they visited Houston for the must-win matchup.
Ladd McConkey stats vs. Houston Texans in AFC Wild Card game
- 9 receptions
- 14 targets
- 197 receiving yards
- 1 touchdown
- 21.9 yards per catch