QB Justin Herbert, LAC (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Plaschke: Justin Herbert shows why he's potentially the greatest young QB in NFL history

 

[humpback]

Anyone who doesn't think Herbert is one of the best QBs in the game is clueless IMO. A rash of injuries and pretty awful coaching have greatly held him back. My Christmas wish is for Sean Payton next year, but absent that miracle just better health and a better OC and he'll be right back to the near the top of the pack.

I don't think anyone thinks that. I certainly don't. I'll take him over anyone other than mahomes or Josh Allen. I just think that he's been a bit disappointing, that's all. Especially after these Last couple games where he had all, or most, of his weapons back.

Well, there was an article posted which was titled something like "What if Herbert isn't all that great", and even the way you're wording things, that HE has been completely underwhelming this year. His fantasy stats have been, but he's actually 2nd in the NFL in passing yards and his completion percentage is higher than last year, which is pretty remarkable considering everything that has gone against him this season.

Sure, fantasy wise this week was very disappointing, but that's fantasy football- they had 2 short TD and ran them both in, and Tennessee never really pushed them to turn on the gas. Ekeler missed some time and ended up with only 2 catches, and one of Herbert's INTs was a ridiculous play that could have been a TD instead if Williams doesn't lose the ball.

 

[BladeRunner]

That was still underwhelming in a dream matchup

He certainly has been completely underwhelming this year. Yeah, I get it, he was injured earlier and he didn't have his receivers, but that hasn't been the case for the last three or four games. It was holy expecting him too bounce back over these last ones. The yardage totals are there but the touchdowns are just nowhere to be found.

He was expected to be in the top tier like Mahomes and Allen.

Have you seen his OL? The guy is literally under extreme pressure before he even finishes dropping back.

His first two years in the league his OL was healthy. We have already seen he has elite skills and will be a winning QB if the pieces around him can also play at a high level.

As a fantasy QB...yeah he has been underwhelming. As an NFL QB he is the only reason the Chargers are in playoff contention. Literally the only reason.

Oh for, sure. I was really talking about it from a FF perspective, though. I should have clarified that.

 

[finfansteve]

I’m gonna have to keep one of him or Lamar Jackson in my keeper league next year and am already trying to figure out the pros and cons of each while cutdown day is 9 months away

 

[Houston turmOiler]

That was still underwhelming in a dream matchup

He certainly has been completely underwhelming this year. Yeah, I get it, he was injured earlier and he didn't have his receivers, but that hasn't been the case for the last three or four games. It was holy expecting him too bounce back over these last ones. The yardage totals are there but the touchdowns are just nowhere to be found.

He was expected to be in the top tier like Mahomes and Allen.

Have you seen his OL? The guy is literally under extreme pressure before he even finishes dropping back.

His first two years in the league his OL was healthy. We have already seen he has elite skills and will be a winning QB if the pieces around him can also play at a high level.

As a fantasy QB...yeah he has been underwhelming. As an NFL QB he is the only reason the Chargers are in playoff contention. Literally the only reason.

Oh for, sure. I was really talking about it from a FF perspective, though. I should have clarified that.

Sure seems like he's playing alright. The OL and OC sure don't seem to help him much. There's just too many of these games from a fantasy perspective. Maddening for a QB of his talent and skill.

 

[Faust]

Justin Herbert completed 24-of-31 passes for 235 yards and an interception in the Chargers’ 20-3, Week 16 win over the Colts.​

After an early interception, Herbert got back on track and started carving up the Colts defense. He dinked and dunked, but the passing game was effective and just enough to move the chains when needed. Even after a slow start, there wasn’t much resistance from the opposition on offense. Herbert lost a fumble late in the second half, but it hardly moved the needle as the Chargers continued to dominate. Herbert will now play in the playoffs for the first time in his young career.
Dec 26, 2022, 11:13 PM ET

 

[Faust]

'A silent killer with great hair': How Justin Herbert helped turn the L.A. Chargers around

 

[Aznflyer14]

I hope the entire coaching staff especially their OC Joe Lombardi get fired. The past season was full of coaching malpractice, utterly lack of creative scheme and in-game adjustment. And worst of all, they couldn't even maximize Herbert's physical talents and his bazooka arm. Such a waste!

 

[Ilov80s]

Tough break for Hebert. He deserves a better offense and coaching staff.

 

[RandyDB]

Tough break for Hebert. He deserves a better offense and coaching staff.

par for the course with this organization

 

[Faust]

Justin Herbert completed 25-of-43 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown in the Chargers' 31-30, Wild Card loss to the Jaguars.​

Unfortunately for the Chargers, this one will go down in history. Staked to a 27-0 lead at the 4:25 mark of the second quarter after Trevor Lawrence threw not one, not two, not three but four first half interceptions, the Chargers forgot how to play football the final 34:25 of the game. Entirely one-dimensional with their short-passing attack not supplemented by a deep game or rushing threat, the Chargers kept stalling drives as Doug Pederson adjusted to Brandon Staley's defense. As the Jags kept storming down the field, the Chargers' primary means of second half ball movement was Jaguars penalties. It was the culmination of the Chargers' faulty 2022 offensive approach, and a reminder of just how important Mike Williams' deep game is to this attack. Williams, of course, was unavailable after Staley foolishly played him and got him injured in a meaningless Week 18 tilt. It was a devastating night for Herbert in his first playoff game, though he was not the issue, even if he should have been a much bigger part of the second half solution. There is now a very real chance that Staley and his OC Joe Lombardi are let go in the next 48 hours and Herbert has a new coach for 2023 after his trying, rib injury-marred '22.
Jan 14, 2023, 11:34 PM ET

 

[mr roboto]

Tough break for Hebert. He deserves a better offense and coaching staff.

Unfortunately he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who uses his leverage with the FO. Sometimes the star QB needs to push for what he needs.

 

[Tanner9919]

he sucks. overrated.waste of space. cannot , repeat, cannot win a big game.

 

[Judge Smails]

he sucks. overrated.waste of space. cannot , repeat, cannot win a big game.

Nice schtick

 

[Deamon]

he sucks. overrated.waste of space. cannot , repeat, cannot win a big game.

I'm with you. Hate that dude.

 

[ffmail4me]

Herbert is a stud, but I question rankings that have him higher than Burrow. When you look at the passing weapons for each team, I think that breaks the tie between the two great QBs. I'll take Chase, Higgins, and Boyd over the Chargers oft injured wideouts

 

[Todem]

he sucks. overrated.waste of space. cannot , repeat, cannot win a big game.

Send him down to Miami….please. Your nuts BTW.

 

[Tau837]

Herbert is a stud, but I question rankings that have him higher than Burrow. When you look at the passing weapons for each team, I think that breaks the tie between the two great QBs. I'll take Chase, Higgins, and Boyd over the Chargers oft injured wideouts

Now include TE and RB in the group of passing targets.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

he sucks. overrated.waste of space. cannot , repeat, cannot win a big game.

Nice schtick

If only…

 

[ffmail4me]

Herbert is a stud, but I question rankings that have him higher than Burrow. When you look at the passing weapons for each team, I think that breaks the tie between the two great QBs. I'll take Chase, Higgins, and Boyd over the Chargers oft injured wideouts

Now include TE and RB in the group of passing targets.

Okay, so Ekler got 103 catches vs 90 for Mixon/Perine. And the TEs are a wash, so we are still left with which WR core is younger, better, more productive?

 

[Tau837]

Herbert is a stud, but I question rankings that have him higher than Burrow. When you look at the passing weapons for each team, I think that breaks the tie between the two great QBs. I'll take Chase, Higgins, and Boyd over the Chargers oft injured wideouts

Now include TE and RB in the group of passing targets.

Okay, so Ekler got 103 catches vs 90 for Mixon/Perine. And the TEs are a wash, so we are still left with which WR core is younger, better, more productive?

The Bengals have a stronger group of targets, because the WRs are stronger. As a Chargers fan, I would rather have the Bengals WRs for sure. I was just pointing out that the Chargers RBs and TEs are stronger than the CIN equivalents, though you chose to underplay those differences here.

 

[DocHolliday]

Herbert is a stud, but I question rankings that have him higher than Burrow. When you look at the passing weapons for each team, I think that breaks the tie between the two great QBs. I'll take Chase, Higgins, and Boyd over the Chargers oft injured wideouts

Now include TE and RB in the group of passing targets.

Okay, so Ekler got 103 catches vs 90 for Mixon/Perine. And the TEs are a wash, so we are still left with which WR core is younger, better, more productive?

The Bengals have a stronger group of targets, because the WRs are stronger. As a Chargers fan, I would rather have the Bengals WRs for sure. I was just pointing out that the Chargers RBs and TEs are stronger than the CIN equivalents, though you chose to underplay those differences here.

Herbert seemed to struggle at times this year. Not sure since he is a great QB.

 

[Faust]

Justin Herbert, Chargers players support Brandon Staley despite epic playoff collapse

 

[SproutDaddy]

Herbert is a stud, but I question rankings that have him higher than Burrow. When you look at the passing weapons for each team, I think that breaks the tie between the two great QBs. I'll take Chase, Higgins, and Boyd over the Chargers oft injured wideouts

Now include TE and RB in the group of passing targets.

Okay, so Ekler got 103 catches vs 90 for Mixon/Perine. And the TEs are a wash, so we are still left with which WR core is younger, better, more productive?

The Bengals have a stronger group of targets, because the WRs are stronger. As a Chargers fan, I would rather have the Bengals WRs for sure. I was just pointing out that the Chargers RBs and TEs are stronger than the CIN equivalents, though you chose to underplay those differences here.

Herbert seemed to struggle at times this year. Not sure since he is a great QB.

Fractured ribs will cause that.

 

[wlwiles]

I already have him in the only league I'm currently in, but I'd be willing to bet this opens a buy window for dynasty. He entered 2022 as the consensus QB3 behind only Allen and Mahomes, and now who's passed him?

1. Allen is fantasy QB1A
2. Mahomes QB1B
3. Burrow, yep. He's QB3
4. Lawrence, strong possibility he's QB4 right now as he definitely came on second half of the year. This is probably his ceiling.
5. I'd put Herbert at QB5 at this moment
6. Hurts, some would say he's top 5, but I'd rather take Herbert and the odds for career longevity.
7. Lamar, nope, health issues now 2 years running, might not be a Raven anymore, how long will his legs hold out? Cam Newton 2.0?
8. Fields or Dak?

 

[humpback]

OC and QB Coach fired

 

[BoltNlava]

OC and QB Coach fired

Now they just need to dump Staley. I fear this will not happen.

 

[Bri]

He's a smidge overrated.
We should be able to live a QBs potential and not gift him into Mahomes and Burrow's tier.

Win the big game, win some in the playoffs...let's have a bit of a standard

 

[menobrown]

OC and QB Coach fired

Now they just need to dump Staley. I fear this will not happen.

He'll be back for sure, that's what these dismissals today are telling us.

 

[menobrown]

Dude played through the rib injury and a this, people might be a little to down on him:

Daniel Popper

@danielrpopper
·
1m

Justin Herbert had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, #Chargers say. Team expects him to be cleared for participation in the spring.

 

[King of the Jungle]

He's a smidge overrated.
We should be able to live a QBs potential and not gift him into Mahomes and Burrow's tier.

Win the big game, win some in the playoffs...let's have a bit of a standard

I think he is a bit underrated. At some point his surrounding offensIve cast with stay healthy and the play calling will improve which at that point he will be recognized as one of the best in the league (IMO).

 

[Faust]

The Athletic's Daniel Popper believes a contract extension for Justin Herbert will "get done this offseason."​

"The earlier the Chargers get this deal done, the better. Quarterback contracts are only going to keep increasing in value. Herbert, meanwhile, will get a sizable signing bonus as soon as he signs the deal," Popper writes. He estimates that negotiations for Herbert could start at $50 million in AAV, and throws out the idea that Herbert could become the first NFL player to sign a contract with a total value of $500 million. It makes all the sense in the world for the Chargers to get this deal done sooner rather than later, as the cap will only continue to rise, but it'll be curious to see if the guaranteed money becomes a sticking point as it has for Lamar Jackson.
SOURCE: The Athletic
Feb 5, 2023, 2:18 PM ET

 

[Faust]

The Athletic's Daniel Popper writes the Chargers "felt that [Joe] Lombardi, at times, leaned too heavily on quarterback Justin Herbert."​

This is an #EstablishIt post. Popper notes that Brandon Staley said at his end-of-season presser that there is “a different level that we need to play at offensively, particularly at the line of scrimmage and in the run game.” Kellen Moore was brought in to open up the deep ball for Justin Herbert, but it's possible that this move boosts Herbert's efficiency at the expense of some of his volume. Well, at least it's possible if the Chargers can run the ball more effectively than they did in 2022.
SOURCE: The Athletic
Feb 5, 2023, 1:47 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Chargers coach Brandon Staley said the team has entered extension negotiations with Justin Herbert.​

“Those talks are ongoing. We’re at the beginning of all that, but all know how we feel about him," Staley told reporters. This was an expected move as Herbert enters the final year of his rookie deal, ahead of a fifth-year option that will assuredly be picked up. Negotiating now will put the Chargers in a better salary cap position in the future as they can structure their cap hits with some foresight. Herbert is "expected" per ESPN's Lindsey Thiry to earn an extension worth more than $50 million a season. The extension market for Herbert, Joe Burrow, and Jalen Hurts has been fairly slow while the Lamar Jackson situation unfolds and potentially sets a market one way or another.
SOURCE: ESPN
Mar 28, 2023 at 5:08 PM ET

 

[Ilov80s]

It will be very interesting to see what Herbert demand for compared to Lamar.

 

[Faust]

Chargers' Tom Telesco not losing sleep over Justin Herbert's looming payday: 'That's a good problem to have'

 

[Faust]

Chargers QB Justin Herbert (shoulder) 'getting closer to 75 percent' in long recovery, downplays contract talk after Lamar Jackson deal

 

[Faust]

Chargers exercised QB Justin Herbert's fifth-year option.​

This was fully expected for Herbert, who remains in line for a new contract this offseason. Picking up Herbert's option gives the Chargers another year of team control beyond 2023 if they need it. Herbert's extension is projected to average more than $50 million per season.
SOURCE: NFL.com
Apr 28, 2023, 7:00 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Justin Herbert (shoulder) said he plans to participate in 7-on-7 drills during this week's OTAs.​

As The Athletic's Daniel Popper pointed out via Twitter, Herbert participating in 7-on-7 drills would mark the first time he's participated in team drills this offseason. Herbert underwent labrum surgery on his non-throwing shoulder in January and has been working his way back to the field. With mandatory minicamps set to begin next week, Herbert nearing a return to drills is a good sign he'll be ready when training camp kicks off in July. Considering the nature of his surgery and the fact that it was on his non-throwing shoulder, we'd expect Herbert to be ready to go come Week 1.
SOURCE: Daniel Popper on Twitter
Jun 5, 2023, 2:47 PM ET

 

[Faust]

When asked about a potential "hold in" amidst contract negotiations with the Chargers, Justin Herbert said, "I guess we'll see."​

Herbert has been participating in OTAs and mandatory minicamp despite his reported "ongoing" contract negotiations with the Chargers. His participation in offseason programs is enough to suggest he'll participate in training camp when it starts off next month, but he didn't fully rule out the possibility of a "hold in," -- which is short for reporting to camp but not participating in order to avoid being fined. Herbert did note, "The role of a quarterback is to be out there for his team and do everything he can to put that team in a position to win," but sounded anything but committed to participating in camp without a new deal. We wouldn't expect this "hold in" to come to fruition, but the possibility can't be ruled out.
SOURCE: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com
Jun 14, 2023, 6:04 PM ET

 

[rockaction]

Just watching highlights of Herbert's throws from a quarterback's view. Absolutely filthy. I love having this guy on a dynasty team of mine. He gets Slater back this year on the line plus has QJ to throw to in addition to Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, Ekeler for the checkdowns.

He's going to have a monster season. He's the boss.

 

[rockaction]

Oof. If he doesn't "hold-in," that is.

 

[Tau837]

Just watching highlights of Herbert's throws from a quarterback's view. Absolutely filthy. I love having this guy on a dynasty team of mine. He gets Slater back this year on the line plus has QJ to throw to in addition to Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, Ekeler for the checkdowns.

He's going to have a monster season. He's the boss.

He also played through very serious injuries last season but will hopefully be healthy this year.

He also gets an OC upgrade moving from Lombardi to Kellen Moore.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Chargers and Herbert agreed to terms on a blockbuster 5-year extension worth $262.5M, per me and
@MikeGarafolo
, including monster guarantees to protect Herbert and lock him in for the future.

Rapaport

 

[Tau837]

As expected. Look forward to seeing the contract details.

 

[King of the Jungle]

I think he climbs into tier 1 this year (real & FF). I still cannot believe the Chargers picked QJ over Zay Flowers, but they have enough weapons as long as everyone stays healthy. The concern is going forward. Keenan, Williams, and Ekeler are all on the higher spectrum age wise and are not contract friendly. I hope this team doesn’t waste Herbert’s prime by not surrounding him with the right talent.

 

[Galileo]

I think he climbs into tier 1 this year (real & FF). I still cannot believe the Chargers picked QJ over Zay Flowers, but they have enough weapons as long as everyone stays healthy. The concern is going forward. Keenan, Williams, and Ekeler are all on the higher spectrum age wise and are not contract friendly. I hope this team doesn’t waste Herbert’s prime by not surrounding him with the right talent.

He has had, and still has, plenty of talent around him, IMO.

 

[King of the Jungle]

I think he climbs into tier 1 this year (real & FF). I still cannot believe the Chargers picked QJ over Zay Flowers, but they have enough weapons as long as everyone stays healthy. The concern is going forward. Keenan, Williams, and Ekeler are all on the higher spectrum age wise and are not contract friendly. I hope this team doesn’t waste Herbert’s prime by not surrounding him with the right talent.

He has had, and still has, plenty of talent around him, IMO.

I agree and sorry for not being very clear. My concern is going forward and the decisions they make with their big 3 current weapons. I would feel a lot better if they would have picked Zay over QJ as I thought he was a superior prospect coming in comparison to QJ. It would have also provided a nice field stretcher to the group. Time will tell.

 

[Tau837]

There is no question that this season is an "all in" season for the Chargers. Next offseason, they have to solve a major cap challenge, and there will likely be a lot of changes:

• I expect WR2 Williams and RB1 Ekeler to be gone. Both too expensive.
• TE1 Everett is also a UFA with no identified replacement right now. Same for RB2 Kelley, though probably not as big an impact. One or both could be back if the price is right, but too early to tell.
• Also, if they have a great season on offense, OC Moore may be gone to a HC job. Conversely, if they have a disappointing season, HC Staley and the rest of the staff could be gone.

All that said, I'm confident they will have good players around Herbert in 2024 and beyond.

 

[King of the Jungle]

There is no question that this season is an "all in" season for the Chargers. Next offseason, they have to solve a major cap challenge, and there will likely be a lot of changes:

• I expect WR2 Williams and RB1 Ekeler to be gone. Both too expensive.
• TE1 Everett is also a UFA with no identified replacement right now. Same for RB2 Kelley, though probably not as big an impact. One or both could be back if the price is right, but too early to tell.
• Also, if they have a great season on offense, OC Moore may be gone to a HC job. Conversely, if they have a disappointing season, HC Staley and the rest of the staff could be gone.

All that said, I'm confident they will have good players around Herbert in 2024 and beyond.

I would guess they took QJ in hopes of replacing MW next year. Keenan is getting long in the tooth but his game will probably age well if he can stay on the field. Good summary and it will be interesting how they manage everything after this season. I root for you guys as Herbert is one of my favorite players to watch play the game.