Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers is quickly becoming an elite quarterback in the NFL. Herbert is not just reaching elite status among today’s quarterbacks, but on an all-time scale. As stated on SBNation’s website, this past season he became the first quarterback to pass for 4,000+ yards in each of his first three seasons in the league. Not only that, but he passed Andrew Luck for the most passing yards by a quarterback through his first three NFL seasons with 14,089 yards per StatMuse. While the Chargers have struggled as a team in his first three seasons only making the playoffs once, Herbert remains a constant force within their team.
Justin Herbert Reaching Elite Heights Quickly
Playoffs
This past season was the first time the Chargers have made the playoffs in Herbert’s brilliant young NFL career, and even after storming out to a 27-0 lead, they ultimately fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third largest come from behind victory in NFL Playoff history. While this was disappointing to say the least for the Chargers, there is a lesson to be learned here by the players and coaches alike. No lead is safe in a game, especially in the playoffs. Injuries for the team throughout the season have certainly played a part as well. Herbert, however, remains undaunted by the hurdles.
Herbert’s continued growth and production throughout everything will only make the Chargers stronger moving forward. There should be a time, soon, where the Chargers will be contending with the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West crown. With the right help around Herbert on both sides of the ball there is no limit to what the Chargers can do. The problem is getting the right help, and keeping everyone healthy through an entire season. While Herbert is already making his way into the elite quarterbacks conversation, he can only do so much on his own.
Playing in the same division as Patrick Mahomes will make him stronger. Facing off twice a year against the Chiefs will be a treat to all NFL fans for years to come. The Chargers have a history of almost being cursed when it comes to the playoffs. All Chargers fans are hoping that Herbert is the answer to breaking the curse. His talent and ability have already been shown to be exactly what this franchise needs to go farther in the playoffs.
Moving Forward
As long as the Chargers can surround Herbert with talented, healthy players he may finally bring home a Lombardi trophy for this long-suffering franchise. Herbert is one of very quarterbacks that we are not saying “as he improves” when speaking of potential. He has the ability, has shown it every single year of his career thus far. It is the team needs to catch up to him. There should be no shortage of hope and excitement for Los Angeles and fans of this franchise. As we move into the future, with Herbert at the helm, they will continue to be in good hands.
Main Photo: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union-USA TODAY NETWORK
