Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Blame Chargers defense for poor record, not QB Justin Herbert

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/30/23

The Los Angeles Chargers are 4-7 and slipping out of the playoff hunt, and some are pointing the finger at quarterback Justin Herbert. However, an advanced stat shows he shouldn't shoulder the blame.

The Athletic's Mike Sando used his "Quarterback Betrayal Index," a system that determines the impact of a team's defense/special teams, to rate QBs through the first 12 weeks of the season. Herbert had a score of -20, second behind Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts.

"Only twice this season has an NFL team lost when producing at least 16 EPA [expect points added] on offense. The Chargers were that team both times," wrote Sando. "That is why Herbert remains where he has been when this index debuted before last season, among the most betrayed QBs in the league."

This season, L.A. is tied for 24th in the NFL in points (23.5) and last in yards allowed (390.6). Herbert is tied for fifth in the league in passing TDs (20) and ninth in passer rating (96.9), but skeptics argue he isn't clutch, which hurts the team.

GERALD. EVERETT.

: @snfonnbc pic.twitter.com/9MfRH3Dtqe
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 27, 2023

"Since the Chargers drafted him in 2020, they have lost 14 games by three points or fewer," wrote the Los Angeles Times' Sam Farmer. "That's the NFL's most such losses over that span. Part of that has to fall on the quarterback."

It's hard to uplift a team with a weak defense, though. Per StatMuse, the Chargers have allowed the league's sixth-most points (1,527) since 2020. When the unit surrenders less than 21 points, Herbert has a 15-3 record.

While Herbert has lost several close games, it's clear he's not the problem and is the one carrying the franchise.

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