Justin Herbert’s Week One defeat renews questions over Chargers’ progress
The Los Angeles quarterback remains among the league’s most productive young passers, but has yet to win a post-season game.
Justin Herbert’s seventh NFL season has begun with renewed scrutiny after the Los Angeles Chargers were beaten 26–14 by the Arizona Cardinals in Week One.
The defeat came days after Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh predicted Herbert would eventually be regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. Herbert completed 17 of 27 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the loss.
The Chargers’ offence lost momentum after receiver Ladd McConkey left with a chest injury following his touchdown catch. Across four fourth-quarter drives, Los Angeles failed to reach Arizona territory, while the team also committed six penalties during the five possessions played without McConkey.
The opening game also raised questions about the early operation of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s system. Running back Omarion Hampton gained 43 yards from 12 carries, while the Chargers’ offensive line allowed three sacks.
Herbert’s regular-season numbers remain strong. He has thrown for 24,820 yards through six seasons, the second-most in NFL history at that stage, and holds the early-career record for consecutive 4,000-yard passing seasons.
His post-season record, however, remains without a victory from three appearances. That includes the Chargers’ 2022 collapse against Jacksonville, when Los Angeles surrendered a 27–0 lead. Herbert was also sacked 54 times last season amid significant offensive-line injuries.
Sky Sports reported that the Week One result does not establish a broader decline, with the effects of McConkey’s injury and McDaniel’s offence still unclear. It has nevertheless added pressure to a team whose prospects were already being elevated by its coach’s prediction.
