Los Angeles Chargers Quarterback Justin Herbert is making headlines! And for a wonderful reason if you’re a fan of the bolts. The Oregon product finally punched a ticket to the postseason in his third NFL season.
His first two years under center caught the attention of the league as the talented Herbert threw up historic rookie numbers.
Justin Herbert 2020 Rookie Season:
-4,336 pass yards
-31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions (in 15 games)
-98.3 passer rating
-Awarded Offensive Rookie of the Year Honor
2021 Sophomore Season:
-5,014 pass yards
-38 touchdowns and 15 interceptions (in 17 games)
-97.7 passer rating
2022 Stats to Date:
-4,254 pass yards
-21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions (through 15 games)
-91.2 passer rating
Earlier in the 2022 season, Herbert was dubbed a “social media quarterback” by Fox Sports Analyst Emmanuel Acho. This was after Herbert chucked up a game-losing pick to AFC West rival, Kansas City. As you can imagine, it set the social media world on fire regardless of which side you fell.
It is worth noting that the Chargers have been one of the unhealthiest teams in the league since the season opened. While injuries are inevitable, it seemed as though Los Angeles could not catch a break. Herbert himself had a rib injury as early as Week 2 while the team suffered missed games from key starters throughout the year: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater just to name a few.
This Chargers team had 14 players on injured reserve as of Week 16! This should not shock me, as I know they’ve been banged up, but that is just a huge amount-unsurmountable to most. To come together and bounce back in a conference that is not nearly as forgiving as the NFC speaks volumes on this unit.
Current Quarterbacks in the AFC Playoff Race:
-Justin Herbert
It seems as though if Herbert were playing in the NFC he could feel confident, yet the AFC talent is a little frightening-especially the featured quarterbacks listed above.
Before the season’s start, the AFC West division was looking as if it would be jarringly competitive; however, given the disappointing seasons for both Las Vegas and Denver, it left the Chargers competing with just one team: the red-hot Chiefs.
24-year-old Herbert has shepherded LA through his first three seasons in a poised fashion and the fruits of his labor are finally paying dividends. Looking ahead, the Chargers and Rams will play in their shared home of Sofi Stadium on New Year’s Day.
Other fun stats about Justin Herbert that should not go unmentioned:
-He is 18-4 when his defense holds opponents to fewer than 27 points
-First QB to throw for 13,000 yards in his first three seasons
-Game-winning drives in 27% of his career games
All of the above has been done with questionable game management and bad O-line play. We are all truly witnessing greatness with Justin Herbert and it should be a fun ride watching how his playoff run will unfold.