The Los Angeles Chargers are 7-3 and undefeated in one of the NFL’s best divisions. A major contributor to their record, if not the reason for their success this season, has been Justin Herbert.
Herbert has been playing at an elite level since entering the league. Both of his all-pro tackles, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, are out for the season. His RBs 1 and 2, Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton, are out, one for the season and the other for a significant amount of time.
He was without defensive cornerstone Khalil Mack for four weeks, with various other teammates battling minor injuries all season. He is also the most pressured quarterback in the NFL, playing behind one of the league’s worst lines.
And despite all of that, the Chargers have been willed to ugly, mistake-riddled wins, thanks to none other than their quarterback.
Domination Over Pittsburgh
When the Chargers walked off the field after a 25–10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, it was hard not to see the game as another testament to Justin Herbert’s sheer willpower.
Against T.J. Watt and a relentless defensive front, Herbert was hit consistently, sacked five times, and had an average of 2.25 seconds to throw. Yet instead of folding, he adjusted, delivered, and improved the Chargers to a 7–3 record. This record feels almost miraculous considering the team’s circumstances.
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Pittsburgh’s defense against the Colts just a week earlier had overwhelmed Daniel Jones, sacking him five times, forcing three fumbles, and sending the Colts’ offense into a tailspin. The same pressure that completely unraveled Jones didn’t seem to faze Herbert. He finished 20-of-33 for 220 yards and a touchdown. It resulted in a 90.5 passer rating despite constant chaos around him.
That’s not a gaudy stat line, but it’s emblematic of Herbert’s season. He displays poise and produces under duress when everything else is unstable.
No Protection
The team’s struggles are centered around their lack of protection—Herbert has faced more pressure than any quarterback in the league this year. Los Angeles has cycled through offensive line combinations all year due to injuries. Still, Herbert keeps them competitive every week. He plays behind what ranks among the league’s bottom three pass-blocking units.
That context makes his consistency even more impressive. When the pocket collapses, Herbert’s decision-making and accuracy have been elite. And while some may compare his eight interceptions through 10 games this year to his three in all of 2024, he’s been pressured 173 times, and nearly half of those INTs have been tipped passes. His ability to diagnose blitzes and keep his eyes downfield has allowed the Chargers to sustain drives.
Herbert’s Resilience
Herbert’s physical resilience also stands out. He’s leaned more on his legs, already rushing for a career-best pace in yards per game. Fans already knew how explosive his arm is, but that versatility has become essential, especially given the depleted state of the roster across multiple positions.
What separates Herbert from most quarterbacks isn’t just talent, but also composure. Plenty of players can thrive behind a clean pocket with a full supporting cast, which is the cause of many “2020 QB class” debates. However, few can absorb constant hits, lose star teammates, and still play winning football. There’s a reason his teammates and coaches consistently push for his praise and MVP conversations.
At this point, it’s hard to argue. Virtually any other quarterback in Herbert’s situation (battered protection, constant pressure, mounting injuries) would struggle to keep their team afloat. Herbert hasn’t just kept the Chargers alive, he’s the reason they’re winning. In a season defined by chaos, he’s been the difference between failure and contention.
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