Chargers News: Fans Break Down the Greatness of Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has had a quick ascent into the upper echelons of the NFL, at least if current pundits are to be believed. His stellar success thus far has been tempered by one ignominious playoff failure, but many around the league still believe he has what it takes to be special.

Selected with the sixth pick out of the University of Oregon in 2020, the 6'6" quarterback quickly flashed star potential during his first NFL season. He set rookie quarterback records for passing touchdowns (31), completed passes (396), and passing yards per game (289.1) en route to winning the 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The next season, while leading LA to a 9-8 season, Herbert was named to his first (and thus far only) Pro Bowl.

Last season, the Chargers' record improved to 10-7, and Herbert made his playoff debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. Although Los Angeles had galloped to a 27-0 start, Jacksonville stormed all the way back to win, 31-30. Herbert passed for 273 yards (on a 58.1% completion percentage) and just one touchdown, finishing with a 84.7 quarterback rating.

Chargers fans seem split on just how good Herbert can get.

William Spencer III of FantasyData and the podcast Fantasy's Phinest recently took to Twitter to pose a question to general fans about what exactly has made Herbert such a staple of so many sports analysts' top 10 quarterback listings.

One fan opined that it's not so much Herbert's current production on the field that has wowed media and football fiends across the league, but rather his promise and ceiling.

I would say based off of potential. He plays in the division with Mahomes it will be a tall task to come out over top of the Chiefs. He’s basically in the same position as Dak. Our division is improving & Dak will need to cut down on TO’s to give his team a chance to exceed 🦅 .
— GetYoGameUp.Com (@Rucklife007) April 14, 2023

Another fan didn't take too kindly to this comparison with Dallas' three-time Pro Bowler, Dak Prescott, citing his comeback from a recent injury as proof positive of his hunger to prove himself.

Do you even watch Dak? One down season after returning in only four weeks after a broken thumb on his playing finger doesn't define him pic.twitter.com/zEj3TRa0mo
— Carolyn Williams (@Carolyn39085233) April 14, 2023

So is Justin Herbert just Dak Prescott 2.0? Or can he be something altogether bigger and better?

I guess we'll just have to keep watching.