How Can the Broncos Shut Down Justin Herbert?

The Denver Broncos head to SoFi Stadium for Week 3 looking to bounce back from a crushing 29-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Their defense gave up 473 yards, their offense sputtered, and questions are mounting on both sides of the ball.

Meanwhile, Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers are riding high after a 20-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

For Denver, the path to redemption isn’t complicated. To flip the script, they’ll need to disrupt and unsettle Herbert.

Broncos Pose a Tougher Test

The Chargers seized control early against Las Vegas and never looked back. While the Raiders’ secondary was shredded, they managed to slow down the run game—a recipe the Broncos will have to replicate.

Herbert has improved each season, but inconsistency under pressure remains his weakness. Against a leaky Vegas defense, he thrived on blown coverages. He won’t have it so easy this week, facing Patrick Surtain and Brandon Jones on the back end, plus a pass rush capable of consistently getting home.

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Keep Herbert Off the Field

The simplest way to neutralize a quarterback is to keep him on the sideline. For Denver, that means controlling the game with long, sustained drives.

Sean Payton likes to run an up-tempo offense, but the first two weeks have shown he will mix it up when necessary. Against the Chargers, dominating time of possession would keep Herbert cold, wear down Los Angeles’ defense, and add pressure on every Chargers drive.

Herbert still has a tendency to rush himself when possessions are limited. With fewer snaps, Denver could coax him into mistakes without even touching him.

Disguise the Defense

Herbert is great at recognizing blitzes, which he showcased in the Chargers’ win against the Vikings in 2023. Minnesota blitzed him on 42 of his 49 dropbacks according to PFF. The result? He totaled 405 yards and set a record for completion percentage among quarterbacks to throw at least 45 passes in a game (85.1%).

But that doesn’t mean he’s immune to pressure. What gives him trouble is disguised looks and shifting coverages. The Vikings’ blitzes were predictable; Denver can’t afford to make the same mistake.

With Rashawn Slater out for the year, the Chargers’ offensive line is more vulnerable. Joe Alt comfortably slides into the blindside protector role, there are now vulnerabilities elsewhere across the line.

If the Broncos can mix coverages, and mask where the heat is coming from, they can force Herbert into hurried throws and break his rhythm.

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Herbert has the talent to torch any defense, but he’s not flawless. If the Broncos can control the clock, disguise their looks, and consistently generate pressure, they’ll have a great chance to bounce back in Week 3.