Let the latest round of quarterback rankings tell it: Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert is firmly inside the NFL’s top 10 at the game’s most important position. But is he elite?
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the answer is… not yet.
Each offseason, Fowler surveys a wide panel of NFL coaches, scouts, and executives to rank the top quarterbacks in the league. This year, Herbert checked in at No. 7, just ahead of Jared Goff and behind rookies like Jayden Daniels and veterans like Matthew Stafford. That placement—and the comments that came with it—set off debate in league circles and among fans alike.
Justin Herbert Faces Legitimate Criticism Despite Excellent Resume
“He’s always been a top-5-to-8 QB—accurate to all levels, athletic, sound decision-maker,” one AFC executive told Fowler. “It’s almost like he’s underrated now, in my opinion. He’s taken for granted.”
That sentiment is echoed in Herbert’s resume. His 21,093 passing yards are the most by any quarterback through five seasons in NFL history. In 2024, under new offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s run-heavy scheme, Herbert’s passing volume dipped—but so did his mistakes. He threw just three interceptions on 504 attempts, the lowest interception rate (0.6%) by a qualified quarterback since Tom Brady in 2016.
Still, the critiques persist. One NFC evaluator noted, “The players above him consistently create more off-schedule plays, are more dangerous in the two-minute drill, and have won in the playoffs. The offense he currently plays in is by far the least QB-friendly in terms of the passing game, which doesn’t help him. Justin can get there. He has the ability, so it should come in time.”
But that comment belies some of Herbert’s proven strengths.
He already has 15 game-winning drives, the most of any quarterback drafted in 2020 or later. In 2024, he led late rallies against both the Bengals and the Broncos, flashing his arm talent, poise, and accuracy under pressure. And while Roman’s offense may not always showcase Herbert’s downfield prowess, it did highlight his ability to take care of the football in a physically demanding system—while playing through injuries and behind a shaky interior line.
Herbert’s 2024 season ended with a disastrous Wild Card loss to Houston. He completed just 43.8% of his passes, threw four interceptions, and was sacked four times. The game fueled criticism of Herbert’s postseason resume—now 0-2—but context matters. He was playing behind a patchwork line, without a top-tier receiver group, and gutting through injuries that might have sidelined most quarterbacks.
Chargers Stoic Leader
Former Chargers teammate Kyle Van Noy criticized Herbert’s leadership style, suggesting the QB “could do more” off the field with teammates. But Van Noy also admitted Herbert was a perfectionist who worked relentlessly and cared deeply. That perfectionism—coupled with Herbert’s 4.01 GPA from Oregon—might explain his stoic demeanor and how quietly he takes on responsibility.
Even former Chargers defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko weighed in, saying Herbert “would leave the facility at 9 pm on days off,” and doesn’t fire back at public criticism. That silence has seemingly made Herbert a target.
Quiet or not, the numbers speak volumes. Herbert’s touchdown-to-interception ratio of 7.67 in 2024 was one of the best in NFL history for a quarterback with at least 15 touchdown passes. His 91.2 Pro Football Focus grade was the best of his career—and one of only four QB seasons to hit 91+ in the last five years.
Through five seasons, Herbert’s statistical path mirrors that of Peyton Manning. Both quarterbacks played roughly the same number of games (Manning 80, Herbert 79), and Herbert actually has fewer interceptions (45 vs. Manning’s 100) in that stretch. Manning didn’t win a playoff game until year six. Herbert has time.
Chargers Offensive Continuity — But At What Cost?
The 2025 season represents a unique opportunity. For the first time since 2021-22, Herbert will be in the same offensive system two years in a row. The Chargers also upgraded the roster around him—signing offensive linemen Mekhi Becton and Andre James, tight end Tyler Conklin, and veteran playmakers Mike Williams and Najee Harris. Rookie wideout Ladd McConkey is coming off a breakout 1,149-yard, 7-touchdown debut and looks to be Herbert’s new go-to weapon.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh, entering year two, is determined to elevate Herbert’s game even further.
“I think we’ve made great strides this offseason,” Herbert said recently. “We’re further ahead than where we were last year. It’s just continuing to get better and moving forward.”
Make no mistake—Herbert’s elite traits aren’t in doubt. His arm talent, toughness, intelligence, and production are all top-tier. But in the NFL, elite status is measured by playoff wins. With a revamped roster, offensive continuity, and a Hall of Fame-minded head coach, 2025 could be the year Herbert breaks through and quiets the doubters once and for all.
Top 10? No question.
Elite?
Ask again in January.
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