Rival Scout: Justin Herbert ‘s Playoff History Is ‘Concerning’ for Chargers

Sure, the Los Angeles Chargers looked dominant in their 34-7 victory over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game last Thursday, but it’s hard to get too excited about a preseason game when your starting quarterback isn’t even suited up.

The biggest winner Thursday was backup quarterback Trey Lance, who played three quarters and threw a pair of touchdown passes — reminding everyone around the league that he came into the NFL as a high first-round draft pick and maybe he can be looked at by a team that needs a QB.

The Chargers, of course, don’t need a QB. Justin Herbert has averaged more than 4,000 yards and 27 TD passes over his first five seasons in the NFL.

That said, the career trajectory for Herbert — who was the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a 2021 Pro Bowler — has slowed down the last two years. The 27-year-old is 0-2 in the playoffs, and that includes an ugly postseason loss to the Houston Texans last season in which Herbert threw four interceptions. The football world took notice.

“Was kinda shocked to see Justin Herbert melt down in the playoffs,” one rival scout told Athlon Sports. “I know the Texans have a great defense, but this was concerning, honestly. He’s a much better quarterback than what he showed that day, but it’s become a thing with him in the playoffs. He has to push through that barrier, because it’s holding him and the entire franchise back.”

Those comments were made as part of the exclusive Chargers scouting report in the Athlon Sports 2025 NFL Preview magazine, available online and at newsstands now.

The Chargers finished 11-6 last season, finishing second in a very tough AFC West. It was Jim Harbaugh’s first season as head coach. Of course, Harbaugh usually prefers a run-first approach, and it should help Herbert that the Chargers drafted a first-round running back. Omarion Hampton was the second running back selected, 16 spots behind Ashton Jeanty.

Hampton played sparingly in the Hall of Game, finishing with two carries for nine yards.

“Graded him just as high as Ashton Jeanty on our board,” the rival scout said.