Former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert has led the Los Angeles Chargers offense for four seasons now and every year, the Eugene-raised hometown hero gets better. In 2024, with new head coach Jim Harbaugh holding the reigns, Herbert and the Chargers even saw a berth into the NFL Playoffs.
Despite lacking a lot of big-time talent around him, Herbert has learned how to elevate his team over the last few years. However, many analysts and experts still doubt Herbert's longevity in the league and his ability to take the Chargers the distance.
On Monday, Feb. 3, Herbert's teammate Derwin James Jr., a defensive back for Los Angeles, called out those doubters and haters, defending his starting QB.
“Can we please stop trying number 10," James said, referring to Herbert by his jersey number. "Stop disrespecting him”
Throughout the 2024 regular season, Herbert led the Chargers to 11-6 overall and a second-place finish in the AFC West division.
Justin Herbert 2024 regular season stats
- 332 completions (65.9 percent)
- 3,870 passing yards
- 23 touchdowns
- 3 interceptions
- 306 rushing yards
- 2 rushing touchdowns
“I promise you. I can’t wait for y’all to see," James continued. "This next season I know we are going to do what we do for y’all to get to see the real 10”
The biggest questions surrounding Herbert's career are still in place because of his performance in the Chargers' only postseason game of the year. When Herbert and Los Angeles took the field for their AFC Wild Card game, the former Duck had a nightmare game.
Herbert threw four picks in the matchup against the Houston Texans, more than the number of interceptions that the threw during the entirety of the regular season. He was also sacked numerous times by the Texans defensive unit and lost 31 yards on the ground.
However, Herbert's regular season career so far should speak for itself. During the 2024 season, Herbert became the fifth-fastest and the third-youngest quarterback to reach 20,000 career passing yards.