Heading into 2025, Los Angeles Chargers Quarterback Justin Herbert has the potential “elite” tag but hasn’t been able to solidify the elite tier status.
As the former Oregon Ducks quarterback has set multiple passing records in his first five seasons, the question has become: Does he belong in the same status level with other quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow?
This upcoming season could launch Herbert into “elite” status, as he will be under the second year of the best head coach he has had in his NFL career, with Jim Harbaugh.
We dive into how Herbert can move up to that elite level in 2025.
Will Justin Herbert Become Elite in 2025?
Finally Winning in the Playoffs
So far, the 2021 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year has two playoff appearances and is winless in both games. To Herbert’s defense, in their 32-12 wild card loss against the Houston Texans, the signal caller didn’t have much help besides rookie sensation Ladd McConkey.
His other playoff performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars was not memorable. The Chargers held a 27-0 lead at one point in the game and were only able to generate three points of offense in the second half. The bolts lost in historic fashion helping the Chargers find a new way to lose in the postseason.
However, the team addressed the offensive side of the ball in the draft, which Herbert will be relying on throughout the season. During his time as the Chargers quarterback, he hasn’t had much help on the defensive side of the ball. In his first three seasons, the Chargers scored 1,233 points (most in NFL history since the merger), while the defense allowed 1,256 (most in NFL history since the merger).
Coach Harbaugh and Staff Can Help Herbert Earn Playoff Win
In his first season with Jim Harbaugh at the helm he had 25 total touchdowns, three interceptions, 3,870 passing yards, and a 101.7 quarterback rating.
Harbaugh is a proven winner in the NFL. Everyone thinks of his time at Michigan, but during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, he brought out the best in not one but two quarterbacks Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick.
From 2011 to 2014 Harbaugh was 44-19-1 in the regular season and 5-3 in the postseason with a Super Bowl appearance eventually losing to his brother John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens.
Harbaugh brought a San Francisco franchise that was constantly towards the bottom and made them a winner during his time.
The 2011 NFL Coach of the Year said during the offseason: “I got to get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame. Must get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame.”
Talented Roster Should get Herbert to Elite Status
Yes, it’s a young roster in Los Angeles but a talented one. Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman has praised the new-look offense, calling it a “night and day” transformation.
The signing of Offensive Guard Mekhi Becton from the Philadelphia Eagles should surely up an offensive line that was solid throughout the season but struggled against teams with elite pass rush.
Running Back’s Najee Harris and first-round draft pick Omarion Hampton should deliver a solid one-two punch. The receiving core should be improved with the selection of Ole Miss Wide Receiver Tre Harris in the second round. Harris should pair up nicely with McConkey and give Herbert a reliable big-play receiver.
On the defensive side of the ball Los Angeles revamped their defensive line to help put pressure on the quarterback and help stop the run, something they struggled with last season.
The Chargers re-signed Defensive End Khalil Mack and drafted another edge rusher with Kyle Kennard from South Carolina to sure up the pass rush. In the middle of the defense, Linebacker Daiyan Henley will be headed into his third year after leading the Chargers in tackles after starting every game last season.
Jesse Minter was able to get the Chargers ranked as the 11th-best total defense despite a very young roster and playing guys who had a lot to prove. With an upgrade across the board, Minter should have this defense ready to get timely stops to hand the ball back to their star quarterback on the offensive side of the ball.
Herbert should be able to lead this team to a playoff victory in the upcoming season. With talent across the board and the best coaching staff he’s had in his career the sky is the limit for this team with Herbert under center. If he is not able to achieve a playoff win this year Herbert will always be placed under the narrative that he can’t perform on the biggest stage and does not belong in the “elite” status.
Main Image: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
