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Justin Herbert's MVP-like drive to lift Chargers over Broncos has some shocking stats

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By Chris Roling | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 5:30 AM ET

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert authored one of his most memorable drives of his career to date to help put away the Denver Broncos during his team’s Week 3 win.

There, Herbert threw a touchdown to Keenan Allen with just under three seconds left after escaping a messy pocket.

Herbert went on the run, threw it across his body and had a defender in the face, all while taking a hit to the head from said defender that probably should have been flagged.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the 20-yard score had a completion probability of just 16.7 percent. Allen had just 0.6 yards of separation with a defender of his own blanketed all over him.

The numbers are as stunning as the highlight itself, which capped off a day in which he threw for 300 yards and the score while constantly pressured:

Justin Herbert was pressured on 54.7% of his dropbacks against the Broncos, the highest pressure rate he’s faced in any game of his career.

Herbert completed 10 of 23 attempts under pressure for 143 yards, a game-tying TD, and an INT while taking 5 sacks.#DENvsLAC | #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/1EMnVmX06j
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 22, 2025

The Chargers have some work to do up front when it comes to getting healthy, if not making additions to the roster. But Herbert has been clutch this year in big moments, mercifully shutting down anyone silly enough to place the blame for last year’s playoff loss on him.

Overall, it feels like the Chargers have shaken off some of that “Chargers luck” from past years. Herbert getting Allen back, having a functional offense around him and finally being fully healthy isn’t hurting either, though.

Justin Herbert's 20-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen had a completion probability of 16.7%, Herbert's most improbable completion since Week 8, 2024.

Herbert's Speed: 12.85 mph
Allen's Separation: 0.6 yards#DENvsLAC | #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/3VZs68HFoY
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 21, 2025