Chargers News: Pro Bowl Defender Not Convinced Justin Herbert Is Elite

Is this him being a hater? Or is there some truth to it?

The Los Angeles Chargers got a massive victory over the New York Jets on Monday Night Football earlier this week, and their record now sits at 4-4 on the year. They were expected to be much better this season, but they are starting to show signs of progress.

But despite the win, one former NFL All-Pro defender doesn't believe that quarterback Justin Herbert is an elite quarterback. Gerald McCoy appeared on NFL Network's Good Morning Football to break down everything on Herbert.

“Justin Herbert is not elite, and a lot of people kill me “oh how is he not elite?”, and there is a difference in elite talent and playing elite. And last night against Jets, who they have a good defense. But in a night where the score was lopsided, this is what your elite quarterback had, 16 of 30, 136 yards and no touchdowns."

Per Gerald McCoy via

Good Morning Football

Herbert didn't play his best game against the Jets, but the team still got the win. However, this has become a common topic for media members about Herbert.

Justin Herbert is the only QB who gets slandered for winning a game because he didn’t put up spectacular numbers against a top defense. Even tho that same defense also made QBs like Mahomes, Allen and Hurts look below average. The difference is Herbert didn’t throw any picks pic.twitter.com/OkMWc3R3OI

— REJ⚡️ (@BoltUpREJ) November 7, 2023

While he has great arm talent and has shown major promise through his young career, does Herbert truly elevate the Bolts? That question remains to be seen at this point, and McCoy pointed out some of his records so far in his career.

“Justin Herbert, he’s 8-7 career record in prime-time games. Elite, eh. Justin Herbert is 6-9 versus teams that made the playoffs in 2021 and 2022. Is that elite? No. Justin Herbert is 9-11 career versus AFC West opponents, and he is 2-5 versus the Chiefs.”



Per Gerald McCoy via

Good Morning Football

While the initial thinking is that this is a ridiculous statement from McCoy, it may not be. Herbert is a great quarterback, but there is a difference between great and elite. McCoy played in the NFL for many years before retiring earlier this season, so he knows a thing or two.

If Herbert wants this narrative to stop, he needs to go out and prove that he is elite. He needs to elevate this Bolts team in a way that he has never before, but until then, the narrative will exist.

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