One way Chargers' Justin Herbert has improved under Jim Harbaugh

While few questioned even before the Los Angeles Chargers made Justin Herbert a first-round draft pick back in the spring of 2020 that he possessed the physical traits needed to become a franchise quarterback, some have doubted he could serve as an outspoken leader at the highest level. 

For a piece published Monday, ESPN's Kris Rhim detailed how first-year Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has pushed Herbert "to be more vocal" since Harbaugh officially accepted the job back in January. 

"I feel like everybody's having more fun this year," offensive tackle Rashawn Slater said about the 7-3 Chargers ahead of their "Monday Night Football" home game against the 7-4 Baltimore Ravens. "We've got a good culture going and Justin's definitely the leader of that. Whenever we see him have that energy, it's very infectious. As long as I've known Justin, he's been the ultimate competitor, but I love that he's been a little more animated."

While Herbert signed a five-year, $262.5M contract extension in the summer of 2023, he hasn't entirely lived up to the expectations many had for him years ago. He's earned just one Pro Bowl nod during his career, and Los Angeles' epic collapse at the Jacksonville Jaguars back in January 2023 remains his only playoff appearance. 

According to ESPN stats, Herbert began Monday ranked 20th in the NFL among qualified players with a 56.4 adjusted QBR and eighth with a 102.1 passer rating for the ongoing season. Across the campaign's first 10 games, he tossed 13 touchdown passes and a single interception. 

Offensive tackle Trey Pipkins III noted how Herbert has grown in confidence "the more he believes that we are all behind him and we look to him for that leadership role." Meanwhile, pass-rusher Morgan Fox explained how Harbaugh seems to be bringing out more of Herbert's personality this fall. 

"I love seeing his growth," Fox said about Herbert. "He's always talked a little trash and celebrated a little bit, but I think this year he's kind of coming into his own. He's aggressive. He wants to win. He's going to come after people's necks. He's a headhunter. And I love him for it and I love seeing it."

As of Monday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Chargers as 2.5-point underdogs against a Ravens opponent that features Most Valuable Player Award candidate Lamar Jackson. Herbert and Co. could make quite the statement regarding the upcoming postseason tournament by earning a win over Baltimore in front of a prime-time television audience.