Chargers Score After 37-Drive Drought but Fall to Texans
Los Angeles broke a month-long scoring freeze with two late fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 44-22 loss, yet their season now features 11 straight defeats.
By Grace Almasi ·
The Los Angeles Chargers ended a 37-drive touchdown drought on Sunday, but the franchise still lost 44-22 to the Houston Texans. The scoring breakthrough came late in the fourth quarter when the team was already trailing by 29 points.
The dry spell began on Oct. 11 and spanned 12 consecutive quarters. This streak represented the longest sequence of scoreless drives in NFL history since the 2024 Miami Dolphins went 30 drives without a touchdown. The all-time record belongs to the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, who missed the end zone on 61 straight drives.
Justin Herbert ended the drought with a 58-yard pass to Quentin Johnston. Backup quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei added a 15-yard touchdown pass to Derius Davis later in the final period. It marked the first time this season the Chargers recorded multiple passing touchdowns in a single game.
The offensive unit has struggled to convert opportunities. Herbert completed 13 of 23 passes for 193 yards. He also threw his 11th interception of the season, an NFL lead, and suffered a career-high eight sacks. The team went 5 for 17 on third down and recorded 13 plays of negative yardage.
Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel moved from the sideline to the booth to call plays during the game. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said the change did not yield the desired results. Harbaugh noted that the Texans defended third down better than the Chargers could move the ball.
The team faced multiple scoring chances that did not materialize. Tre Harris dropped a deep completion on the opening drive. Herbert missed wide-open receivers in the end zone during the second quarter. He also threw behind KeAndre Lambert Smith just before halftime. Running back Keaton Mitchell fumbled away the ball at the Houston 24 yard line in the third quarter.
The loss extends the Chargers' season to 0-8. The team is now on a 11-game losing streak that began last season. This is the longest losing run for the franchise since they started 2000 with an 0-11 record.
The Chargers travel to Baltimore next week to face a team with a 4-5 record. They will return home the following week to host the New York Jets, who stand at 2-7.
