Just days after being named the starter, Justin Herbert threw for four touchdowns in another brutal loss; this time to the Saints. The loss wasn’t the fault of Herbert, however, as the Oregon product finished the game with zero turnovers. Ultimately it was another blown lead for the Chargers, who have squandered good offensive production more than once this season. A missed 50 yard field goal attempt off the foot of Mike Badgeley sent the game to overtime where the Saints eventually won with a field goal. The Chargers were outscored 20-7 in the second half and overtime.
Despite the loss, outstanding play from Justin Herbert was certainly a silver lining. The rookie took multiple shots downfield, highlighted by a fourth quarter, 64-yard strike to Mike Williams that tied the game. Herbert was not afraid of taking shots downfield and did so multiple times. When all was said and done, Justin Herbert became the first rookie quarterback to throw for four touchdowns on Monday Night Football.
Justin Herbert has already faced off against Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Drew Brees since taking over for the injured Tyrod Taylor. Though his team came up short in each of those match-ups, Herbert has held his own and then some. He threw for 311 yards in an overtime loss to the Chiefs. A costly fourth quarter interception was the only blip on the radar of an otherwise excellent outing. In that game, Justin Herbert became the first rookie to run and throw for a touchdown in the first half of his debut since Bob Clatterbuck did it in 1954.
The game against the Buccaneers was very similar to last night’s game for LA. In that match-up, Herbert threw for 290 yards while completing 20 of his 25 passing attempts. He also tacked on three touchdowns while throwing one interception. It took yet another blown 17-point lead and five touchdowns from Tom Brady to defeat the Chargers on that day. All together, Herbert has thrown nine touchdowns against three picks to go along with 1,195 yards and a QBR of 73.9.
Needless to say, things are going fairly well for the sixth overall pick from Oregon. As it currently stands, Justin Herbert is positioning himself strongly to win Rookie of the Year honors.
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