Justin Herbert's most underrated quality puts Chargers QB ahead of his peers

While Los Angeles Chargers fans understand it all too well, quarterback Justin Herbert generally doesn’t get he credit he deserves as a runner and when being able to extend plays. 

The numbers lean into this idea, though. 

Herbert pops up second overall on a list from Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus when looking at quarterbacks who have the highest passing grade on throws that take over 2.5 seconds to make. 

Herbert’s grade on those extended plays is a 92.8, making him just one of two quarterbacks measured with a grade in the 90s and second only to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. 

Granted, Herbert doesn’t pop up on the other list at all, which measures grades on throws made in under 2.5 seconds. But he’s not exactly known for quick releases and seems to prefer those longer-developing plays. 

On paper, these numbers could get even better in 2025, too. Herbert quietly had the best rushing performance of his career last season, running for 306 yards and two scores and otherwise just extending plays in a smooth manner. That’s an element that could continue to expand under the influence of head coach Jim Harbaugh. 

There’s also the matter of upgraded weapons around Herbert. Bringing back Mike Williams, drafting Tre Harris second overall and adding tight end Tyler Conklin could make some of those longer-developing plays more potent. 

Regardless, there’s no reason to expect Herbert not to be in the conversation for the top overall slot in this area again next season.