**Justin Herbert Takes Blame for Chargers' Playoff Exit** Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has shouldered the responsibility for the team's 16-3 playoff loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday night. Despite a valiant effort from the Chargers' defense, Herbert's subpar performance proved to be the deciding factor. Herbert completed 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards and no touchdowns, a far cry from his usual impressive regular-season form. He was also involved in several questionable decisions, including a wide-open target in Ladd McConkey that he underthrew. Herbert acknowledged that he "didn't play well enough" and that the team's offense struggled to make plays when it mattered most. The loss marked his third postseason defeat, and he remains winless in the playoffs. The Chargers' defense, led by outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, who set a single-game postseason franchise record with three sacks, kept the game close but ultimately couldn't overcome the team's anemic offense. Coach Jim Harbaugh defended Herbert's performance, calling him a "warrior" and praising his toughness in the face of adversity. Herbert's struggles have become a recurring theme in the postseason, and he will need to regroup and refocus if the Chargers hope to make a deeper run in the playoffs next season.