Analyst Says Chargers QB Justin Herbert Is ’10 Percent Dumber’ With Jim Harbaugh Leading the Way

Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?

On Sunday, Herbert finished 28 of 47 for 300 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 23-20 comeback win over the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium. While solid, those numbers only scratch the surface. Herbert was under relentless pressure, facing sacks five times and being hit 14 times overall. NFL Next Gen Stats noted he was pressured on 54.7% of his dropbacks—the highest rate of his career.

Despite this, Herbert shined when it mattered most. He completed eight of his final nine passes, including a miraculous third-and-10 connection to Keenan Allen and a 12-yard completion to set up Cameron Dicker’s game-winning field goal. This marked Herbert’s 13th career fourth-quarter comeback and 17th game-winning drive.

Teammates and Coaches Marvel at His Grit

“Oh my gosh, bro. The dude is unbelievable,” Trey Pipkins III said. “He was getting hit, making throws. He led us the entire time. If that’s not MVP, I don’t know what is.”

Harbaugh added, “He’s 1-of-1 who I’ve ever seen at the quarterback position.” Allen chimed in: “Hats off to Herbo. He’s the guy.”

Herbert credited Harbaugh with instilling the mindset that allows him to bounce back from hits without hesitation. “Probably Jim Harbaugh. He’s one of the tougher guys, and I’ve tried to emulate him,” Herbert said. “You’ve got to stay gritty and know they’re going to knock you down, but you have to get back up.”

The Improbable TD to Keenan Allen

Perhaps the most spectacular play came late in the fourth quarter. With defenders closing in from all sides, Herbert stepped up in the pocket, rolled left, and launched a pass to Allen with only 0.6 yards of separation. Next Gen Stats calculated it as having a 16.7% completion probability—the most improbable pass Herbert has completed since Week 8 of last season.

“There’s almost something about it, he takes that hit and it’s like it didn’t even happen,” Harbaugh said. “It motivates him even more. It takes him to another notch.”

Perfect Start to the Season

Herbert’s heroics helped the Chargers open 3-0 for the first time since 2002, defeating all three AFC West rivals in the process. “Three wins in three games. It’s taken everybody,” Harbaugh said. “Just gritty. Spectacular is probably the word I’d use. Just a wonderful feeling of victory.”

Herbert downplayed the pressure, focusing on teamwork. “We knew we had one job—to take the ball and go score. That’s exactly what we did,” he said.

With Harbaugh’s leadership and Herbert’s fearless playmaking, the Chargers are off to a perfect start, leaving the rest of the AFC West—and the NFL—watching closely.