Justin Herbert's Mixed Season Raises Questions About His Maturity Level
Justin Herbert had a mixed season under center for the Los Angeles Chargers last year, leading the team to an 11-5 record as a starter but ultimately falling short in the playoffs. The Chargers were defeated by the New England Patriots in a 16-3 loss, with the offense struggling to find its footing.
What Happened?
Herbert was ranked No. 7 in a list of the league's best quarterbacks, voted for by executives, coaches, and NFL scouts. However, an NFL coordinator was brutally honest about Herbert's standing among the league's best quarterbacks, saying he 'plays young' and 'doesn't have the maturity level of the other guys as far as how he runs the overall operation and mastery of the position.'
Why It Matters for Justin Herbert
The criticism comes as the Chargers look to improve their offense next season, with new coach Mike McDaniel challenging Herbert's habits during the offseason. McDaniel has been tasked with molding Herbert into the league's most effective quarterback, and the two have been working together to streamline Herbert's game.
What Comes Next?
Herbert has earned two Pro Bowl nods, but has been unable to take the final step to elevate to elite quarterback status. In six seasons in the NFL, Herbert has not won a single playoff game, a stat that's always a bone of contention when it comes to ranking him among his peers. The Chargers blew a 27-0 lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wildcard round in 2022, and Herbert threw four interceptions in a 32-12 loss to the Houston Texans in 2024.
Last season, Herbert earned a PFSN QB Impact score of 75.1, ranking him at No. 18 in the league. He registered 3,727 passing yards on 66.4% completion, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, while adding 498 rushing yards and two scores. With the pressure mounting on Herbert to deliver the goods, it remains to be seen whether he can take the next step and become the elite quarterback the Chargers need him to be.
A Look Back at Justin Herbert's Career
Herbert was selected No. 6 overall by the Chargers in the 2020 NFL Draft. He immediately established himself as one of the league's best quarterbacks, quickly usurping Tyrod Taylor as the team's starter. He broke several records, including most passing touchdowns by a rookie and becoming the fourth rookie quarterback to reach 4,000 passing yards. Herbert also won both the Offensive Rookie of the Year and Rookie of the Year Awards.
However, despite his impressive start, Herbert has struggled to find consistency in the playoffs. He has not won a single playoff game in his six seasons in the NFL, and his inability to perform under pressure has raised questions about his maturity level. With the Chargers looking to improve their offense next season, it remains to be seen whether Herbert can take the next step and become the elite quarterback the team needs him to be.
Category: player_focus