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Chargers QB Justin Herbert Went From ‘B+ Feud’ to Playing Better by Being Dumber

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 7:49 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s journey from a meticulous, perfectionist quarterback at Oregon to a dynamic NFL star has been remarkable. Former Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal, now at the University of Miami, recalled Herbert’s intense attention to detail on the This Is Football podcast.

“Man, I think he had one B+ in his entire time at Oregon, and I kind of messed with him about it one time; he didn’t speak to me for a week,” Cristobal said. “He’s an absolute perfectionist…Humble as can be also.”

Herbert’s obsession with precision could sometimes make him appear rigid, but it also laid the foundation for elite performance. His evolution, however, shows a quarterback who has learned when to loosen up and trust his instincts.

Playing “Dumber” Unlocks a New Level

Chargers QB Justin Herbert Went From 'B+ Feud' to Playing Better by Being Dumber 1 Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?

Robert Mays of The Athletic Football Show highlighted how Herbert has embraced a more instinctive style under Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.

“Over the past couple of years, he’s been playing looser than he did under the previous regime,” Mays said. “I’ve always joked that I wanted him to be just a little bit ‘10% dumber,’ and we’ve seen that with Justin recently—he’s tapping into his playmaking ability in ways he didn’t earlier in his career. That shift from being hyper-precise to trusting his instincts has unlocked a next level.”

This growth reflects Herbert’s ability to balance his former perfectionism with the improvisational demands of the NFL, showing maturity that extends beyond stats.

Respected and Clutch

Veteran receiver Keenan Allen praised Herbert’s leadership in the huddle, noting, “He is always there with us and for us…He is running the show.” Against the Denver Broncos, Herbert’s heroics under pressure were on full display. Sacked five times and hit 14 times, he completed eight of his final nine passes, including a miraculous third-and-10 connection to Allen to set up the game-winning field goal.

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

Perfect Start Signals Bigger Things

Herbert’s leadership and adaptability have powered the Chargers to a 3-0 start, their best since 2002. Harbaugh praised the quarterback:

“Three wins in three games. Just gritty. Spectacular is probably the word I’d use. Just a wonderful feeling of victory.”

From a petty perfectionist fretting over a single B+ to a fearless NFL playmaker, Herbert’s growth is tangible—and the Chargers are reaping the benefits.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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