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Chargers vs. Patriots: Can Bolts' O-line hold up to playoff pressure?

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAYJanuary 11, 2026 at 4:01 AM

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Disastrous is an appropriate term to describe the Los Angeles Chargers’ recent playoff history.

A 27-point collapse to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 playoffs, the largest blown lead in franchise history. Justin Herbert tossed a career-worst four interceptions and had a career-low 43.8% completion percentage in the Chargers’ 2024 playoff loss to the Houston Texans – it was likely the worst performance of Herbert's career.

“It was one of those things that you continue to think about. There are a lot of football games that you just remember. Whether they are good or whether they are bad, they stick with you. I think it’s a great learning experience. No one felt worse than I did after that game,” Herbert said recently about last year’s playoff loss. “I think it’s important to continue to move forward and realize that it’s what happened. It would be crazy of me to deny the truth of what happened. To live in this reality where if I tried to block it out, I don’t think that’s doing any good.”

Herbert’s been one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks during the regular season, as the sixth-year Charger earned his second career Pro Bowl invitation. His 2,285 career completions are the most ever in a quarterback's first six seasons, while his 24,820 career regular season passing yards are the second most in the same span.

The playoffs are a different story.

Chargers vs. Patriots: Herbert, Bolts look to exorcise playoff demons

Herbert is 0-2 in his playoff career. The Chargers’ last postseason win was in the 2018 playoffs when Philip Rivers was their starting quarterback.

When the Chargers face the New England Patriots on Sunday night at Gillette Stadium, they’ll try to write a different chapter in their playoff history.

Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.

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Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.

">Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.

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Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0QgdaSE2_fLjuPrkyB2_lg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/44e1f070fd7e76350ebdd3b6471f8e59 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="

Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.

">Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0QgdaSE2_fLjuPrkyB2_lg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/44e1f070fd7e76350ebdd3b6471f8e59 class=caas-img>Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aiHQBd9wTZcNde0ssBWr_w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8210c9b2c0f5daaf02203265cfe5122d class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="

Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.

">Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aiHQBd9wTZcNde0ssBWr_w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8210c9b2c0f5daaf02203265cfe5122d class=caas-img>

Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/f9j2QV8cyk1aJBp1a52E0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7058d95db5b07bb9d01a847ffcd0b494 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="

Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.

">Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/f9j2QV8cyk1aJBp1a52E0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7058d95db5b07bb9d01a847ffcd0b494 class=caas-img>Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_KP.Wj6F25jqHM2qjBpeSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4ef1ec8befbeb46b035dba90223acba3 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="

Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.

">Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_KP.Wj6F25jqHM2qjBpeSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4ef1ec8befbeb46b035dba90223acba3 class=caas-img>

Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5AEQ.eJQWBYxmC7HGlv4uw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cbd6f73cd34d8a235b497120e1068de8 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="

Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.

">Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5AEQ.eJQWBYxmC7HGlv4uw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cbd6f73cd34d8a235b497120e1068de8 class=caas-img>

Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.

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Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.

">Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nVulejD3RYoro_cHkMA..A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c7cfad24b8450f1dea645e14a4d4b2fe class=caas-img>

Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3t__HJNhdrZCTHsKefVJfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d66687de9253ee18f98b6aa829ac22b5 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="

Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).

">Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3t__HJNhdrZCTHsKefVJfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d66687de9253ee18f98b6aa829ac22b5 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e.gM_1u8YqJ5EcyfbcveqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a334f084d771f502e1ada85f46ca34a class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="

Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.

">Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e.gM_1u8YqJ5EcyfbcveqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a334f084d771f502e1ada85f46ca34a class=caas-img>Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8_hMZwURbetl8Ts7PPEFvw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50427da23e68bba8ae529429f9e634d6 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="

Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.

">Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8_hMZwURbetl8Ts7PPEFvw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50427da23e68bba8ae529429f9e634d6 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ern4KjFwGhKTIsMntEnIug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a22d6ed89474dd3d0749f4c0d9661d64 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="

Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.

">Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ern4KjFwGhKTIsMntEnIug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a22d6ed89474dd3d0749f4c0d9661d64 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dB_mQZy1IsJdwFMAleH5ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fb9af975a9d88ddc82a06603e289d79c class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="

Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.

">Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dB_mQZy1IsJdwFMAleH5ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fb9af975a9d88ddc82a06603e289d79c class=caas-img>

1 / 48Super Bowl: One great image from each gameSuper Bowl I (Packers 35, Chiefs 10): Green Bay Packers running back Jim Taylor (31) follows the blocks of Jerry Kramer (64), Marv Fleming (81) and Forrest Gregg (75) against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

“You definitely look back at where you been. But you don’t want to be focused or too locked in on what’s happened in the past because there is so much that’s happening that’s different this year versus last year. We have different players from last year,” Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley said. “We’re trying to do things a little differently. We obviously know what happened in the past. But we can care less because this first round is not last year’s first round.”

The Patriots are a 3.5-point favorite, according to BETMGM. But the Chargers have the confidence knowing they’ve won their two most recent meetings against New England, including a 40-7 victory last year. The Chargers are also 5-0 in primetime games this season.

One glaring issue: Can Chargers offensive line hold up to playoff pressure?

A glaring issue that hindered the Chargers during last year’s playoff loss and throughout this year, though, has been the team’s offensive line. The Chargers have been unable to fill the massive voids created by the season-ending injuries to tackles Rashawn Slater (patellar tendon) and Joe Alt (ankle).

The Chargers finished the regular season with an NFL-most 32 different offensive line combinations, according to Next Gen Stats. Herbert was pressured on an NFL-high 263 of his dropbacks, sacked a career-most 54 times and hit a career-high 74 times. The Chargers finished the regular season with the NFL’s worst pass block win rate and ranked second to last in run block win rate, per ESPN.

New England’s ability to exploit a leaky Chargers O-line is the preeminent key to the wild-card matchup.

“It’s just doing what were coached to do. Getting back to our fundamentals, taking good sets,” Chargers tackle Trey Pipkins III told reporters this week. “That’s really all you can do. You can set yourself up well, take a good set, beat them to the spot, you set yourself well up to win.”

A recent playoff history marred in disappointment. Herbert and the Chargers have a chance to create some positive postseason memories. But their playoff success this season in large part hinges on their patchwork offensive line.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chargers vs Patriots: Can LA O-line hold up for Justin Herbert?

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Source: “AOL Sports”