Based strictly on talent, Justin Herbert’s name is often included on lists ranking the top five quarterbacks in the NFL. But his detractors quickly criticize those lists, citing the fact that he’s never really won anything.
But Herbert may have begun to change that perception this past Friday night, putting forth a masterful performance while leading the Los Angeles Chargers to a massive Week 1 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. It has cast a new light on Herbert and the Chargers and has many wondering if this team can contend for a Super Bowl this year.
Brett Sobleski of Bleacher Report compiled report cards for every quarterback based on their Week 1 outings. Herbert was given a solid A, a grade only two quarterbacks — Josh Allen and Daniel Jones — exceeded. Other quarterbacks also received an A, but Herbert was clearly one of the best from Week 1.
“Justin Herbert doesn’t get the recognition he deserves as an elite quarterback, because his team hasn’t fared as well as others.
The biggest change started late last season and continued into Week 1, with a shift from being a typical Jim Harbaugh-led, run-first offense toward a Herbert-centered offense.
“They finally started throwing the ball (on early downs) with Herbert,” an anonymous coach told The Athletic’s Mike Sando. “They might have won the division the last couple years if they had done that. He is so good, and people don’t give him his due.”
Herbert delivered against the rival that has won nine straight AFC West division titles. For comparison, the Chargers haven’t won their division since the 2009 campaign.
The signal-caller spread the ball around to his wide receivers. Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen, who each caught at least five passes for 68 yards”, wrote Sobleski.
.@DannyParkins explains why he’s not surprised Justin Herbert outplayed Mahomes:
“It means that he is going to continue on the Peyton Manning trajectory, which in year 6 was an MVP and an AFC Championship game appearance. And, he’s ahead of schedule!” pic.twitter.com/sB0aK16kqi
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) September 8, 2025
Harbaugh wants to run the ball, but he must recognize how well the team played when Herbert wasn’t held back. If he plays like that consistently throughout the season, he’s good enough to win league MVP.
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