Chargers break month-long scoring drought in loss to Texans
Los Angeles finally reached the end zone in the fourth quarter of a 44-22 defeat, snapping a 37-drive streak without a touchdown.
By Andrew Yang ·
The Los Angeles Chargers finally put the ball in the end zone on Sunday, ending a scoring drought that had lasted nearly a month. The team fell 44-22 to the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Quarterback Justin Herbert found Quentin Johnston for a 58-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter. That score marked the first touchdown for the Chargers in 12 straight quarters. The dry spell began on Oct. 11 and covered 37 offensive drives.
That streak stood as the longest active run of consecutive drives without a score in the league. The previous benchmark was set by the 2024 Miami Dolphins, who went 30 drives without reaching the end zone. The all-time record belongs to the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, who endured 61 drives without a touchdown.
Backup quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei added a 15-yard pass to Derius Davis late in the game. This was the first time this season the Chargers recorded multiple passing touchdowns in a single contest.
The team's struggles predated the fourth quarter. Herbert completed 13 of 23 passes for 193 yards. He threw his 11th interception of the season, a new personal best. Defenders also sacked him a career-high eight times.
The offense struggled to move the ball on key downs. The Chargers converted on only five of 17 third-down attempts. They recorded 13 plays that resulted in negative yardage.
Coaching changes did not yield immediate results. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel moved from the sideline to the booth to call plays. He sought to energize a stagnant unit. Head coach Jim Harbaugh noted the team still trailed the Texans in third-down efficiency.
Missed opportunities plagued the first half. Wide receiver Tre Harris dropped a deep pass that would have covered more than 30 yards on the opening drive. Later, Herbert underthrew Harris and overthrew Johnston while both were open in the end zone. Running back Keaton Mitchell also fumbled the ball away at the Houston 24-yard line.
Left tackle Joe Alt said the team wants to win football games. He noted that scoring more points than the opponent is one way to achieve that goal. Tight end Charlie Kolar admitted the struggle hurt his pride in his craft.
The Chargers now face a different hurdle. They have lost 11 straight games, a stretch that dates back to last season. This is the franchise's longest losing streak since their 0-11 start in 2000.
The team travels to Baltimore next week to play the Ravens. They will then return home to face the New York Jets. Herbert, wearing a white glove on his left hand to protect a taped finger, said only the players in the locker room can change the outcome.
Harbaugh stated that giving up is not part of the team's culture. The squad remains 0-8 in the regular season.
