Is Justin Herbert Overlooked in the Top NFL Quarterbacks List?

Former
Oregon Ducks
quarterback
Justin Herbert
has experienced one of the most thrilling beginnings to an NFL career that a quarterback could possibly have for the
Los Angeles Chargers
He has almost been thrown for
22,000 yards
over five seasons and has
137 touchdown passes for just 45 interceptions
He has guided the Chargers to the playoffs twice, though they suffered significant losses both times.

At what position should Herbert be ranked among the top quarterbacks in the NFL?

If rankings were solely determined by sheer ability, Herbert would undoubtedly place as high as fifth, with some even arguing for him to rank as third rather than fifth. Nevertheless, when considering achievements, performance in crucial games, and iconic standout moments, valid doubts arise regarding his exact position. According to a ranking from Pro Football Focus, Herbert was placed eighth overall, which sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts alike.

“Herbert could excel as one of the top quarterbacks during regular season games when pressure is low. Over the last three years, his overall rating stands at an impressive 91.0, placing him sixth among all players. If playoffs aren’t considered, his passing score even surpasses that of Patrick Mahomes. Under normal conditions and not accounting for end-of-game scenarios or tense moments, Herbert boasts the second highest passing score across the NFL. Given another year with Jim Harbaugh coaching alongside enhanced support from teammates, we’ll find out whether he manages to achieve greater success,” noted PFF writer John Kosko.

Although some might interpret the comment as an insult, it does hold a grain of truth. The evaluation method can be quite subjective and unclear compared to what people generally acknowledge; however, the core issue is that Herbert lacks standout performances during crucial times when contrasted with peers. This situation isn’t exclusively due to Herbert though. Various factors such as coaching decisions, unexpected mistakes, inadequate blocking, and a defensive line that often failed him prior to last season have contributed significantly. Thus, he hasn’t exactly been fortunate.

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Nevertheless, he remains among the top tier, if not the most talented, pure passers in the NFL. Herbert is excelling remarkably under some of the toughest conditions for a quarterback. Despite having thrown the ball less than ever before across all 17 games last season, the volume of passes covering 20 yards or more stands out significantly. Herbert concluded the season ranked ninth overall in passing yardage with an impressive tally of 23 touchdown passes against just three interceptions, achieving his best passer rating (101.7) yet throughout his career.

“One day I woke up and thought, ‘I have to get Justin Herbert into the Hall of Fame. Need to get Justin Herbert into the Hall of Fame,’” Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh stated on the Rich Eisen Show several weeks back. “This is something that often comes to mind around 3:30 or 4 AM. That’s sometimes when my most compelling thoughts emerge.”

This standard set by Harbaugh shouldn’t be surprising. Herbert has amassed more passing yards than any player in NFL history over just five years. It’s intriguing how much debate this ranking has generated, considering the evidence provided. While Herbert lacks playoff victories or numerous high-pressure performances leading to wins, he boasts almost 22,000 passing yards and has guided his squad to two playoff appearances despite having subpar teams each time.

Herbert’s journey with Frank Herbert’s legacy doesn’t have to conclude swiftly; rather, it’s merely starting. Despite being well beyond any accusations of scandal, he must continue demonstrating his prowess as the athlete he is capable of becoming. Securing an eighth-place spot among the top quarterbacks in the league isn’t derogatory at all—it perfectly encapsulates Herbert’s skill set while recognizing the achievements of those who precede him. This ranking signifies esteem for his abilities yet also respects the broader accomplishments of the players positioned above him.

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Are Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert Overlooked in Top NFL Quarterback Rankings?
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