In his first four NFL seasons, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has passed for 17,223 yards with 114 touchdowns and 42 interceptions. But it’s possible that his value to the Chargers was best on display as the team took on the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, with Herbert out with an injury.
Herbert started the team’s first 13 games this season, with the team going 5-8. In his first 62 starts, the Chargers went 30-32. So, it’s fair to wonder how valuable Herbert is if he can’t help his team to a winning record. Rather, it was fair to wonder that. Herbert suffered a season-ending injury in Week 14’s loss to the Denver Broncos. And it took only two quarters of Thursday night’s Week 15 game against the Raiders to show Herbert’s value.
Because while Herbert has a losing record, the majority of those games have been tough losses. Amazon Prime’s broadcast even detailed that on Thursday, reminding viewers that “Chargering” is “To lose in heartbreaking fashion.”
#Chargering pic.twitter.com/PHHp9TmfTk
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) December 15, 2023
But there was nothing about Thursday’s game that was tense. The Raiders opened up a 42-0 halftime lead and a 56-7 lead after the third quarter.
BIG FELLA RUMBLIN', BUMBLIN', STUMBLIN' TD FOR THE RAIDERS! 56-7! #TNFpic.twitter.com/AKFPYA6ess
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 15, 2023
Conversely, five of the eight Charger losses heading into Thursday’s game were by one score.
So, even though Los Angeles has lost some close games with Herbert under center, Thursday’s game gave football fans a different perspective on how good Herbert is.
The Chargers are the WORST NFL team if Justin Herbert doesn't exist.
Get this man some help. pic.twitter.com/cryeDqJMU2
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) December 15, 2023
Starting to think Justin Herbert isn't the problem with the Chargers
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) December 15, 2023
Justin Herbert making the Chargers look like a slightly below average team might be the greatest quarterbacking achievement of our generation.
I take back any criticism I’ve ever had of his game.
— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) December 15, 2023
Justin Herbert in the Chargers locker room down 42-0 at halftime pic.twitter.com/eiZUFYpU5d
— GhettoGronk (@TheGhettoGronk) December 15, 2023
This was Justin Herbert the whole time pic.twitter.com/E6mUxdK2ar
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) December 15, 2023
“Herbert can’t win close games”
Bro he’s literally the only reason games are close in the first place
— ChargersMemes (@ChargersMemes) December 15, 2023
Just a reminder that Justin Herbert had these guys in the playoffs last season — same squad, same coach. Also, a reminder that they won 5 games this season and were in EVERY game all year.
I said w/out Herbert this team is "Panthers-esque", but I was wrong. They're worse.
— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) December 15, 2023
If there’s a silver lining for the Chargers and their fans, it’s that Thursday’s game made it clear how much work needs to be done to improve the team around Herbert.
[CJ Fogler on Twitter/X]
