From Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, four Oregon Ducks, Justin Herbert, Troy Dye, Jamaree Caldwell and Nikko Reed, suit up for the Chargers against Patrick Mahomes, former Oregon Duck linebacker Jeffrey Bassa and the AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Herbert and the Chargers are 1-7 against Kansas City in his career, but it hasn't entirely been his fault. Over and over he's gotten leads late in the game only to be undone by coaching decisions and bad defense.
Over the first five years of his NFL career, no quarterback has thrown for more passing yards than Herbert, yet he's been a lightning rod for criticism in certain circles.
Heading into tonight’s game in Brazil, Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert have faced off eight times in the NFL.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2025
In six of those eight matchups, there was a lead change in the final minute or overtime.
The Chiefs are 7-1 in those games. pic.twitter.com/DkRdk6AuHq
"Justin Herbert, whenever it matters, has been terrible."@Realrclark25 shares his thoughts on Justin Herbert ahead of the Chargers' game against the Chiefs 👀 pic.twitter.com/iuGMqSNZy1
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 4, 2025
The old cliche about quarterbacks getting way too much credit when a team wins and way too much blame when they lose applies doubly to Herbert., it seems.
Another unusual aspect of this matchup is that it's being broadcast free at youtube.com.
The crowd in the Portuguese-speaking country is enthusiastic and pro-Charger, perhaps because the national flag is green, yellow and blue.
Herbert opened the game with a seven-play, 68-yard drive for a touchdown, hitting Quentin Johnson for a five-yard TD pass on 3rd and goal from the 5.
First of many in 2025 for Justin Herbert! #ProDucks pic.twitter.com/JuUGsOaTHw
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) September 6, 2025