Justin Herbert's NFL Career: Whose Fault Is the Chargers' Struggles 2026

Justin Herbert's NFL career has been defined by promise, but as the Los Angeles Chargers stumble to an 0-2 start, questions swirl about who is to blame. Is it Herbert, or is it the organization around him?

Herbert, the 6ft 6in quarterback with a golden right arm, has long been considered one of the league's most talented passers. Yet, after a 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chargers' early-season woes have intensified the debate. NFL decision-makers view him as roughly the sixth-best QB in the league but often add, "He should have more accolades at this point."

The Chargers' Organizational Woes

The Chargers have a history of underachieving, and Herbert's tenure has been no exception. Despite his individual brilliance, the team has failed to build a consistent winner. From questionable coaching hires to offensive line struggles, the Chargers have often let Herbert down. In Sunday's loss, Herbert was sacked three times and pressured frequently, while the running game provided little support.

General manager Tom Telesco has drafted well in some areas but has failed to address key weaknesses. The offensive line, in particular, has been a persistent issue. Without a reliable ground game or pass protection, Herbert is often forced to play hero ball, leading to turnovers and inefficient drives.

Herbert's Own Shortcomings

While the organization deserves blame, Herbert is not without fault. In Sunday's game, he completed just 15 of 27 passes for a touchdown and two interceptions. His 7.1 yards per attempt paled in comparison to Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins, who posted 8.7 yards per attempt. Herbert also missed open receivers and held onto the ball too long on several occasions.

Critics argue that Herbert lacks the killer instinct of elite quarterbacks. He often struggles in clutch moments and has yet to lead the Chargers on a deep playoff run. At 28, he is entering his prime, but the clock is ticking.

Comparing Herbert to His Peers

To understand Herbert's standing, it's useful to compare him to other quarterbacks. The table below shows key metrics for Herbert and some of his peers through Week 2 of the 2025 season.

While Herbert's numbers are respectable, they lag behind the elite. However, context matters: Mahomes and Allen have far better supporting casts.

Key Takeaways

• Justin Herbert's NFL career is at a critical juncture, with the Chargers off to an 0-2 start.
• The Chargers' organizational issues, including poor offensive line play, have hindered Herbert's development.
• Herbert himself has shown inconsistencies, particularly in clutch situations.
• Comparing Herbert to peers highlights the gap in supporting talent.
• Ultimately, both Herbert and the Chargers share blame for the team's struggles.

FAQ

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Herbert and the Chargers. Will they finally live up to their potential, or will another year of promise go unfulfilled? Only time will tell.