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Bolts From The Blue fantasy football takes on Justin Herbert
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Bolts From The Blue about Justin Herbert.
80
Insights
20
Positive
45
Negative
Insight ledger
All Bolts From The Blue insights about Justin Herbert
NegativeUsageOct 28, 2026
Herbert has 1,141 passing yards and 5 touchdowns through seven games for the Chargers, who rank 27th in passing yards per game (168.2) and 30th in points per game (15.0); his production reflects the Chargers' struggling offensive output.NegativeProjectionOct 27, 2026
Herbert has a 44.5 PFF grade and is among the bottom five Chargers players this season. The source describes this as a worst-case scenario for the team, noting that Herbert has been bad and is not jiving with the offense, though he is not the sole reason the team is winless.PositiveProjectionOct 27, 2026
In Week Four against the Seahawks, Herbert led the Chargers to a season-high 23 points while throwing for 189 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions; this performance is being used as a favorable comparison point to Patrick Mahomes' recent outing against the same defense, suggesting Herbert's efficiency and team scoring output exceeded that of a top-tier quarterback in a similar matchup.NegativeProjectionOct 25, 2026
Through 6 games in 2026, Justin Herbert has accumulated 1,141 passing yards and 5 touchdowns; the Chargers offense ranks 27th in passing yards per game (168.2) and 30th in points per game (15.0), indicating subpar offensive production despite Herbert's individual passing volume.NegativeProjectionOct 20, 2026
Herbert has posted league-worst eight interceptions and the lowest QBR (29.9) through six weeks; he's barely cracking 200 passing yards per game and hasn't thrown multiple touchdown passes in a single game all season. Despite the Chargers' offensive dysfunction, he remains the team's most valuable fantasy asset at 10.4 ppg (109th overall), a stark reflection of the team's offensive collapse under Mike McDaniel.NegativeProjectionOct 19, 2026
Herbert posted a 60.5 PFF grade in a game where the Chargers offense hit a new low point, failing to reach the end zone for the first time this season and scoring just six points; the offense is 32nd in EPA/play, reflecting Herbert's struggles within a dysfunctional system.NegativeProjectionOct 18, 2026
Herbert struggled to generate offensive momentum against Kansas City's defense; he threw a short slant to Keenan Allen that was dropped on third down, failed to move the offense effectively after a favorable field position recovery at the Chargers' 41-yard line, and was hit while attempting a fourth-down pass at the Kansas City eight-yard line in the final drive. The Chargers' inability to execute in critical situations reflects Herbert's difficulty finding rhythm and decision-making under pressure.NegativeRoleOct 18, 2026
Herbert had to do everything because the Chargers have built a roster around him with four rookies starting on the offensive line in front of him, forcing him to scramble frequently. He rushed for a team-high 26 yards on five scrambles, indicating he was constantly under duress and unable to execute the passing game as designed.NegativeProjectionOct 18, 2026
Herbert finished with 204 passing yards on 22-of-37 passing with one interception and no touchdowns; it was his sixth consecutive game this season in which he turned the ball over more times than touchdown scored. He was sacked four times despite Kansas City failing to sack any quarterback since Week One, and threw his eighth interception of the season when hit from behind while attempting to whip a ball to KeAndre Lambert-Smith.NegativeMatchupOct 18, 2026
Chargers QB Justin Herbert faces Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6 matchup at Arrowhead Stadium on October 18, 2026; Herbert leading an offense that has struggled to establish identity after offseason changes and is missing key offensive line pieces (star left tackle out, budding star right tackle out before Week 5).NegativeProjectionOct 18, 2026
Herbert looks like a completely different player, physically and mentally, in Week Six compared to his magnificent performance in Week One against the Chiefs in Brazil, where he led the Chargers to a win with a game-clinching first down run; the source suggests a significant decline in his play and demeanor as the Chargers remain winless heading into Week Six.NegativeRoleOct 17, 2026
Herbert's healthy receiver options are limited to Theo Wease, Derius Davis, and Marquez Valdez-Scantling, with McConkey and Johnston expected to return. The source notes the offense looks no better without a healthy McConkey, indicating Herbert's production is heavily dependent on receiver health.NegativeProjectionOct 14, 2026
Justin Herbert has 937 passing yards and 5 touchdowns, but the source frames the Chargers' offensive situation as 'horrendous at passing the football' (30th in passing yards per game at 164.6). The source also notes the Chargers are likely to trot out three to four rookies on offense, leading to the expectation of 'abysmal play' and another loss, suggesting Herbert faces an uphill battle against the elite Chiefs defense.NegativeProjectionOct 13, 2026
Justin Herbert's trade value is declining sharply week-to-week amid persistent performance struggles. At 0-5, Herbert managed just 121 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception, and two fumbles against Denver; the source notes his processing appears damaged by weekly struggles, he's loose with the ball under pressure, and there's no clear path out of the organizational mess. The banged-up offensive line compounds the problem, but Herbert's own decision-making and ball security are primary culprits. His Super Bowl odds have collapsed from +10000 to +20000, and the schedule doesn't lighten up.NegativeProjectionOct 12, 2026
Herbert earned the offense's worst grade at 41.8. He threw an ugly interception, posted one of the worst production outputs of his career, and lost another fumble.NegativeProjectionOct 12, 2026
Herbert's offensive performance earned a 'C' grade from CBS Sports' John Breech, who stated 'The Chargers offense looks broken.' Herbert threw for only 121 yards and took five sacks due to poor pass protection, with Breech noting 'Justin Herbert barely had time to breath in this game. Every time he dropped back to pass, the Broncos were on him.' The Chargers' offensive struggles, compounded by injuries including the absence of starting left tackle Rashawn Slater, contributed to two consecutive turnovers in the fourth quarter that helped fuel a 13-point unanswered run by Denver.NegativeProjectionOct 12, 2026
Herbert and the Chargers offense turned the football over twice in the fourth quarter against Denver, contributing directly to the loss after the team had built a 17-10 lead entering the final frame; the Chargers are now 0-5 heading into Week 6 against the undefeated Chiefs, an uphill matchup at 8.5-point underdogs with a 43.5-point over/under.NegativeMatchupOct 11, 2026
Herbert faces a Chargers offensive line starting four rookies in a divisional matchup against the Broncos, creating significant pass protection concerns and offensive rhythm challenges that could limit his effectiveness.NegativeBustOct 11, 2026
Herbert's fourth-quarter collapse defined the Chargers' loss: he scrambled on third down but was ruled short of the first-down marker (with Harbaugh unable to challenge due to prior usage); threw an interception to Brandon Jones on fourth-and-six when he didn't see the underneath defender on a Valdez-Scantling comeback route; was stripped by Zach Allen on the ensuing drive; nearly fumbled again on second down before recovering his own pass; and was ultimately sacked on the final play of the game, sealing the Chargers' fifth loss. The source characterizes this as a 'horrible series of events' and a 'collapse,' with Herbert limping and taking multiple hits throughout the drive sequence.NegativeUsageOct 11, 2026
Herbert suffered three consecutive turnovers (fumble, interception, sack) within his own 40-yard line during the fourth quarter collapse, leading to three short fields and 13 unanswered Broncos points; the source notes he was 'bruised and battered' and operating behind four rookie offensive linemen and a decimated receiving corps (three healthy receivers dressed, two off-the-street receivers healthy, and a return man).NegativeProjectionOct 9, 2026
Herbert's turnover issues are the primary factor separating the 0-4 Chargers from the 2-2 Broncos; he has thrown one more touchdown pass than Bo Nix but has double the interceptions (six vs. three) through the same span, indicating poor decision-making and ball security as the key differentiator in team performance.NegativeProjectionOct 9, 2026
Herbert has collapsed to No. 31 in NFL.com's Nick Shook QB rankings after dropping to 0-4; in four games he has 816 passing yards (28th in NFL), 4 TDs, and 6 INTs, making him the second-worst starting QB in the league behind only Malik Willis of the Dolphins. His interception-to-touchdown ratio (6:4) is one of only two QBs this year to throw more picks than TDs, and the source notes this statistical reality is a rough decline from his prior standing.PositiveProjectionOct 7, 2026
Chargers QB has posted 817 passing yards and 4 touchdowns through four weeks, establishing himself as the primary offensive engine for a team averaging just 16.8 points per game (29th in NFL). Herbert's passing efficiency remains a bright spot in an otherwise struggling Chargers offense ranked 21st in total yards.PositiveProjectionOct 7, 2026
Chargers QB Justin Herbert has posted 817 passing yards and 4 touchdowns through the first four weeks, establishing a strong baseline for offensive production as the Chargers prepare to face a Broncos defense ranked 29th in passing yards allowed per game (142.8).NegativeMatchupOct 7, 2026
Justin Herbert faces a Week 5 matchup against Denver with a decimated offensive line; if both Joe Alt and Trevor Penning cannot play due to injury, Herbert will be protected by a unit featuring four rookies and Cole Strange, creating significant pass protection concerns.NegativeProjectionOct 6, 2026
Herbert is being forced into 'hero ball' mode where he has to be a superhero every game to give the Chargers a chance. The source contrasts this with the last two seasons when Herbert did not have to be as much of a hero because the defense was elite. Now, offensive coordinator McDaniel seems to have taken the offense back several steps and aided in putting Herbert back into his hero ball state of mind, compounding the pressure on the quarterback.NegativeRoleOct 6, 2026
Herbert is being consistently pummeled due to a lack of pass protection; the source notes he was 'smacked around' in the latest loss to the Seahawks and is 'being pummeled at an alarming rate' in the team's 0-4 start to the season. His 'warrior play' only emerges when he has to overcome incredibly tough circumstances and an offense that lets him down more often than not. The offensive line, which was Harbaugh's stated charge to protect Herbert with (the 'tip of the spear' monologue), has been 'shattered multiple times in two-plus years' and is not functioning to protect the quarterback.NegativeProjectionOct 5, 2026
Herbert's first-half performance was alarming: less than 50% completion rate, under 40 passing yards, and two interceptions. His first INT to Oronde Gadsden over the middle was concerning despite some line-of-sight obstruction; his second INT on a double slant to Ladd McConkey was worse—linebacker Ernest Jones sat squarely in the passing window and Herbert threw it anyway. Herbert now has six interceptions in four games played this season.PositiveProjectionOct 5, 2026
Herbert's second-half performance (150+ passing yards, 1 TD, clutch fourth-quarter throws to Johnston and Harris) showed comfort and poise in two-minute mode, contrasting sharply with his first-half struggles; the source notes that when the offense simplified itself, Herbert looked like 'the Herbert of old' and that McDaniel and Harbaugh should take note of this stark difference going forward.NegativeProjectionOct 5, 2026
Herbert earned a 43.8 game grade and threw two egregious interceptions, both directly into the arms of linebackers standing in front of his intended receivers; the source called both throws indefensible.PositiveProjectionOct 5, 2026
Herbert showed glimpses of his pre-decline form during the Chargers' second-half comeback attempt against Seattle; once the offense was simplified by Mike McDaniel—removing motions and complex handoff techniques—Herbert sat in shotgun dissecting the defense effectively. Despite continued pressure, he made hero plays and moved the ball consistently downfield with receiver support, suggesting the simplified system may unlock better performance going forward.NegativeProjectionOct 5, 2026
Herbert threw an interception on the Chargers' first play against Seattle, setting a negative tone for the game; he later fumbled on the final drive with a chance to win, with the Seahawks recovering the ball on the game's final possession. These critical turnovers in high-leverage moments underscore performance concerns as the Chargers enter Week 5 as 3.5-point underdogs against Denver.NegativeUsageOct 4, 2026
Herbert executed key plays in a late-game Chargers comeback attempt: fired a moonshot fourth-down completion to Johnston despite pressure, completed a 21-yard pass to Harris to stop the clock, but was sacked immediately by Uchenna Nwosu on a critical third-and-one that sealed the loss. The sack came after the Chargers had momentum and were within seven points with 1:42 remaining.PositiveProjectionOct 4, 2026
Herbert threw for less than 40 yards in a horrid first half but bounced back in the final two quarters, throwing for 153 yards and a touchdown to Kimani Vidal. He looked like the Herbert expected entering the season once McDaniel stopped getting cute with play calls and let him drop back and let it rip. Herbert made the play of the game on fourth-and-seven, flushed from the pocket rolling right, firing a moonshot to Johnston who came down with the ball despite having his legs taken out from under him. He also completed a 21-yard pass to Harris on third down to halt the clock during the late-game comeback.NegativeUsageOct 4, 2026
Justin Herbert was intercepted on the first play of the game by Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas on a play-action pass intended for Oronde Gadsden; Herbert did not see Thomas drop back underneath the route before throwing. The Chargers offense continued to struggle throughout the first quarter, going three-and-out on multiple possessions.NegativeProjectionOct 4, 2026
Chargers fans voted Justin Herbert the second-biggest disappointment on the team with 24 percent of votes in a season-low confidence poll following a 0-3 start, indicating significant underperformance relative to expectations.NegativeRoleOct 4, 2026
Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel stated he now has "a much better understanding of things that lead to (Justin Herbert) making good plays," but the source questions why this knowledge wasn't established during the offseason and training camp before the regular season started, suggesting ongoing communication and comfort issues between Herbert and the offense through the first month of the schedule.NegativeProjectionOct 4, 2026
For the Chargers' Week 4 matchup against the top-ranked Seahawks defense, Justin Herbert going a full game without an interception would constitute a meaningful win given the LA offense's struggles through three weeks.NegativeProjectionSep 30, 2026
Through three weeks, Herbert has posted 627 passing yards and 3 touchdowns, though the Chargers rank 20th in passing yards per game (195.7) and 29th in points per game (14.6), reflecting offensive struggles despite Herbert's individual production.NegativeProjectionSep 30, 2026
Through three games, Herbert has more interceptions than touchdown passes and his play is described as "inexcusably bad" by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Despite being in Year 7 with 98 career starts and prior high-level performance, the disconnect between Herbert's skill set and Mike McDaniel's offensive scheme has created a crisis; evaluators describe his situation as "difficult and exhausting," with Herbert looking "confused and overwhelmed" by the offense's demands. The run game stalls, promised receiver improvements haven't materialized, and offensive line injuries compound the problem. Fowler notes Herbert excels as a true pocket passer but McDaniel thrives with quarterbacks who throw with anticipation to spots—a mismatch that may require offensive simplification or personnel overhaul to resolve.NegativeBustSep 29, 2026
Herbert is being surveyed as one of the most disappointing Chargers performers through the first three weeks of a 0-3 season; the source attributes the broader offensive struggles to Mike McDaniel's scheme failing to meet expectations and dragging its best players into irrelevancy, with Herbert as a primary candidate for that disappointment.NegativeProjectionSep 29, 2026
Herbert is underperforming expectations in Year 7 with a 73.4 passer rating (third-worst in the league), 4 interceptions to 3 touchdowns, and failing to execute Mike McDaniel's offensive scheme despite McDaniel's proven track record as a play-caller; the Chargers' offense ranks among the league's bottom-feeders in total offense.NegativeProjectionSep 28, 2026
Quarterback earned 51.1 grade; threw egregious interception described as one of worst balls he's thrown in some time in massively pivotal moment.NegativeBustSep 28, 2026
Chargers QB looked like the same lost and disconnected unit from Weeks 1-2 despite having their best week of practice going into Week 3. Herbert was unable to capitalize on five defensive takeaways and threw an indefensible interception to C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the end zone when he seemingly forgot the safety was hovering in the middle of the field on a pass intended for Marquez Valdez-Scantling. The source calls it a huge mistake at a pivotal point and a gut punch to his defenders.NegativeUsageSep 27, 2026
Chargers QB Justin Herbert struggled with pressure and decision-making: took a sack in the second quarter; threw an interception to C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the fourth quarter when safety was in the middle of the field; was pressured from all sides on a fourth-and-10 conversion attempt late in the game; and ultimately led the Chargers to a loss despite the defense forcing five Bills turnovers.NegativeProjectionSep 27, 2026
Justin Herbert finished with 226 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 20-of-34 passing with 17 rushing yards; his pivotal interception to C.J. Gardner-Johnson was described as one of the most egregious passes of his career, thrown over the middle to Marquez Valdez-Scantling in the end zone when Gardner-Johnson was hovering in coverage.NegativeProjectionSep 27, 2026
Justin Herbert and the Chargers have contrasting results compared to Josh Allen and the Bills; the Chargers' first two weeks featured double-digit losses to both the Cardinals and Raiders, both of whom picked in the top-three of this year's draft and were not expected to be anywhere near the same tier as the Chargers given preseason expectations. Herbert's early-season struggles against inferior competition signal offensive dysfunction.NegativeProjectionSep 27, 2026
Justin Herbert is struggling through two games with a pair of passing touchdowns to three interceptions, prompting the entire Chargers organization to reevaluate their process to address the downward spiral.NegativeRoleSep 25, 2026
Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel have increased meeting frequency this week to improve offensive execution and alignment; McDaniel stated he is "much closer to Justin Herbert now than he was two weeks ago." The source notes that Herbert does not look in control of the offense as in past years, lacks improvisation capability past initial reads, and the plays look "dead in the water" quick with no Plan B when things go sideways. The increased meetings suggest McDaniel is cutting back the playbook to prevent overwhelming the unit while the new scheme clicks.PositiveProjectionSep 25, 2026
Herbert has potential for a 'vintage Herbert hero game' this week against Buffalo, with the source suggesting a dramatic Chargers upset win is possible if the offense finally 'clicks' in their road matchup. This represents upside scenario thinking despite the Chargers' 0-2 start and 14.0 PPG average.PositiveMatchupSep 23, 2026
Justin Herbert has a favorable matchup against Buffalo's weak pass defense. The Bills rank 30th in pass defense, giving Herbert a chance to potentially carry the team through the air if necessary. Herbert has posted 401 passing yards and 2 passing touchdowns through two games. The source acknowledges that while it's not likely Herbert will need to carry the offense, any chance at all is better than no chance given the Bills' 28th-ranked scoring defense allowing 31 points per game.NegativeProjectionSep 23, 2026
Justin Herbert's path is trending in the wrong direction; he has three interceptions through two games against just two passing touchdowns, a stark regression from the 2024 season when he threw just three interceptions all year.NegativeProjectionSep 22, 2026
Herbert looks lost and angrier than he has ever been at the helm of a flat offense; he had three fumbles (all recovered) and two interceptions in Week 2, with ESPN's Kris Rhim noting the star quarterback looks almost unrecognizable under new coordinator Mike McDaniel's system that was supposed to elevate the team into a championship contender.NegativeProjectionSep 20, 2026
Herbert finished 15 of 27 for 192 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the Chargers' 26-14 loss to the Raiders. One interception was a David Njoku drop, but Herbert's overall performance reflected an offense that was frustratingly underwhelming and completely disconnected for the second consecutive game. He was visibly enraged after a snap miscommunication with center Jake Slaughter on third-and-inches in the third quarter.NegativeProjectionSep 20, 2026
Chargers QB needs a massive bounce-back performance after a disconnected and disjointed opening-week dud; central to the team's ability to compete against the Raiders.NegativeProjectionSep 18, 2026
Herbert's Week 1 performance against Arizona was a mixed bag leaning toward the wrong side; his interception in a critical situation was described as inexcusable. The source notes that the Chargers offense failed to deliver on preseason expectations of a dynamic run game and explosive passing attack, leaving Herbert to shoulder the entire offensive load without the layup plays expected to ease his burden. His Week 2 rebound against the Raiders is framed as pivotal for both his offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's future and the team's season trajectory.NegativeProjectionSep 17, 2026
Herbert's Week One debut under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel resulted in a steep fall in QB rankings. Box score: 209 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT on 17-of-27 passing. Eye test showed troubling signs: poor timing and progression connection with receivers (outside of Ladd McConkey), and a fourth-quarter interception described as a 'YOLO arm punt' into double coverage near the goal line. the source Garrett Podell called it 'a very troubling start to Herbert's 2026,' suggesting the system change has not yet unlocked his arm talent as expected.NegativeProjectionSep 16, 2026
Justin Herbert never seemed to find a rhythm in the Week 1 loss to Arizona; the Los Angeles Chargers offense looked every bit as disjointed as it did under Greg Roman last season, raising questions about offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's ability to elevate the unit.PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026
With new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel now calling the offense, the sky is now the ceiling for the Los Angeles offense led by Justin Herbert; positioned for significant upside under the new scheme.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
Mike McDaniel believes Justin Herbert will be "a new monster" in 2026, suggesting the Chargers QB has significant upside potential under the new coaching regime.PositiveProjectionSep 9, 2026
The source frames Justin Herbert + Mike McDaniel as a Super Bowl-caliber pairing, positioning the quarterback as central to the Chargers' 2026 championship aspirations; the framing reflects elevated expectations tied to the coaching hire and Herbert's role as the team's franchise quarterback.NegativeProjectionSep 8, 2026
Herbert and the Chargers are ranked No. 16 in NFL.com's 2026 power rankings despite winning 11 games in back-to-back seasons and becoming an objectively better team; the source argues the Chargers deserve more respect and suggests a first playoff win could shift perception of Herbert's leadership and the team's trajectory.NegativeProjectionSep 8, 2026
Herbert's passing yardage has declined from his early career peak: he averaged over 4,000 yards in each of his first three seasons, reached 4,336 yards in 2020 and 4,131 yards in 2023, but fell to 3,134 yards in 2022 (injury-shortened) and has pushed for but fallen short of 4,000 yards in the past two seasons under Roman's scheme.PositiveProjectionSep 8, 2026
Herbert's MVP candidacy is strengthened by the Chargers' potential to combine an elite defense (under Jim Harbaugh's tenure) with an elite offense in 2026. If the defense maintains its stingy performance from the past two seasons and the offense scores 28+ points per game, Herbert could be a front-runner for MVP, as the award typically goes to quarterbacks on the best overall teams.PositiveRoleSep 8, 2026
Under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, Herbert is expected to return to a high-volume passing attack after two seasons under Greg Roman's run-heavy scheme. The source highlights Herbert's 65-yard touchdown strike to Quentin Johnston in the preseason finale as evidence of the offensive transformation, suggesting 'fireworks aplenty all year long' with improved receiver alignment and play-calling creativity.PositiveProjectionSep 8, 2026
Herbert is in ESPN's preseason MVP conversation for 2026 alongside Joe Burrow and Josh Allen; he received votes in ESPN's anonymous NFL coaches and executives survey, though Burrow was predicted to ultimately win the award. The source notes that league insiders value Herbert's work more highly than internet factions, with an NFC executive crediting his performance despite offensive line injuries last season and expressing confidence in his fit with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who 'hasn't had a QB this gifted.'PositiveProjectionSep 8, 2026
Herbert and Jim Harbaugh ranked No. 9 among top 10 QB/coach duos for 2026 by CBS Sports' Garrett Podell. Despite the Chargers allowing 60 sacks (most in team history) and 138 QB hits (most in NFL) in 2025 with 11 different starting offensive line combinations, Herbert posted 24,820 total passing yards—the second-most in any player's first six seasons in NFL history—and led Los Angeles into the AFC Wild Card round. Podell notes the duo's ceiling is limited only by team health and postseason success.PositiveRoleSep 4, 2026
Solak frames Justin Herbert's big arm as essential to unlocking the Chargers' offense in Mike McDaniel's system. The quarterback's arm talent is directly tied to Johnston's deep-route success; Solak notes that to reach a new level of offensive efficiency, the Chargers need Johnston's runaway downfield routes to connect with Herbert's arm strength, creating a secondary-binding dynamic if Johnston improves his execution.PositiveRoleSep 3, 2026
Herbert is central to the Chargers' elite offensive potential under new coordinator Mike McDaniel; ESPN the source Ben Solak ranked the Chargers No. 4 in watchability specifically citing Herbert as a key component of an offense designed to 'score fast, score big and win shootouts.'NegativeRoleSep 2, 2026
Named 2026 Chargers captain representing the offense; quarterback leadership role.PositiveRoleSep 1, 2026
Herbert is responding well to new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system, which the source indicates should allow Johnston and other wide receivers to flourish. The preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams featured a 65-yard touchdown pass from Herbert to Johnston, serving as a preview of the potential offensive output under McDaniel's scheme.PositiveProjectionAug 31, 2026
Herbert is on pace to reach 28,000 passing yards in his first seven seasons, which would make him just the fourth passer in league history to achieve this milestone alongside Peyton Manning (29,442), Patrick Mahomes (28,424), and Matt Ryan (28,166). He needs 3,180 yards to reach 28K and has thrown fewer than that total just once in his career—2023, when he sustained a season-ending right index finger injury but still threw for 3,134 yards in 13 games. With new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, barring injury, Herbert should have one of the most productive seasons of his career and reach this mark late in the season. McDaniel has told Jim Harbaugh there are passing concepts he's never been able to use because they require a 'freak' at QB, and Herbert has demonstrated that freakiness at practice.NegativeDepth ChartAug 31, 2026
Herbert is the Chargers' starting quarterback on the 53-man roster.NegativeProjectionAug 28, 2026
Quarterback Justin Herbert earned a PFF grade of 49.8 in the preseason game, with the source noting his grade 'was sunk with the fumbled handoff,' indicating a critical turnover negatively impacted his performance evaluation.NegativeUsageAug 28, 2026
Starting quarterback received limited preseason action, getting only four plays on the night; led the Chargers' opening drive with a nine-yard pass to Charlie Kolar before throwing a 65-yard touchdown to Quentin Johnston on the second drive, then fumbled a handoff to Omarion Hampton on the third play which was recovered by the Rams.PositiveRoleAug 27, 2026
Expected to play in the Chargers' preseason finale behind the starting offensive line, including Rashawn Slater, providing an opportunity to evaluate performance with the first-team unit.NegativeRoleAug 27, 2026
Starting quarterback for Los Angeles Chargers in preseason finale vs. Rams; not expected to play significant snaps as most playing time will go to backup candidates Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei.NegativeProjectionAug 25, 2026
Herbert will play approximately 6-9 snaps in the preseason finale against the Rams on Thursday to shed rust before Week 1 against Arizona; head coach John Harbaugh emphasized wanting to see crisp execution and offensive improvement. Herbert struggled in limited action against San Francisco (1-of-2 for 9 yards), and the Chargers aim to build momentum heading into the regular season while managing injury risk to starters.NegativeProjectionAug 24, 2026
Herbert was pressured on 25 of his 44 dropbacks in the Wild Card loss to New England, completing just 8 of 14 passes for 84 yards under duress, highlighting the offensive line's inability to protect him in critical moments despite his elite tools.NegativeUsageAug 21, 2026
Herbert played only one series in the preseason game against the 49ers, resulting in a quick three-and-out before being benched. Jim Harbaugh confirmed starters would have limited snaps, and Herbert's brief appearance yielded no offensive production.