Justin Herbert Can Turn Things Around This Sunday Against the Texans

At this point, there isn’t much left to say about the Los Angeles Chargers’ disappointing 2026 season. Sitting at 0-7, Los Angeles is still searching for its first win and has struggled to find any consistency on either side of the football. The offense has been especially frustrating, with Justin Herbert and company failing to find the end zone in their last two games. However, Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Texans could present an opportunity for Herbert and the Chargers to finally show some signs of life.

The Texans haven’t exactly had the season they were hoping for either. Houston enters Week 9 with a 2-5 record after getting off to an 0-4 start. While they have managed to pick up a couple of wins, this is far from a dominant football team. Their defense has taken a step back from last season and currently ranks near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed. That could be an opportunity for Herbert to get things going through the air.

Of course, the Chargers have plenty of problems of their own. Herbert has thrown 10 interceptions this season compared to just five touchdowns. His decision-making has been a major concern and he hasn’t looked like the quarterback Chargers fans are accustomed to seeing. Coming off another disappointing performance against the Rams, Herbert needs to find a way to get back on track.

There is also an added storyline surrounding this matchup. The Texans were responsible for ending the Chargers’ 2024 season in the playoffs, handing Los Angeles a disappointing 32-12 loss. Herbert threw four interceptions in that game, making it one of the more frustrating performances of his career. While that game is in the past, there is no question that this is an opportunity for him to get some revenge against the team that sent the Chargers home.

The biggest thing Herbert needs to do Sunday is play within himself. He doesn’t need to force throws or try to make something happen on every possession. The Chargers need him to protect the football, take what the defense gives him and find ways to get the offense moving. Houston has struggled defensively this season, particularly against the pass, and there should be opportunities to take advantage of that.

It would also help if the Chargers could establish Omarion Hampton and give Herbert some support in the running game. The offense has become far too predictable and putting together a balanced attack could make a significant difference.

Nobody should expect one game to fix everything that has gone wrong this season. However, there has to be a point where this team starts showing some progress. The Chargers have the talent to be much better than what their record suggests, and Sunday presents another opportunity to prove it.

At 0-7, the season is already in a terrible place. But if Herbert can put together a strong performance against Houston, perhaps it can be the start of something better. The Texans are beatable, the matchup offers some opportunities and Herbert has a chance to get a little revenge in the process. Maybe this is finally the week the Chargers give their fans something to be excited about.