Justin Herbert has become one of the most reliable and skilled quarterbacks in the NFL. Since joining the Los Angeles Chargers as the sixth overall pick in the 2020 draft, he has consistently delivered elite-level performances. At 6-foot-6 and 236 pounds, his size and mechanics make him a prototype quarterback, but it’s his mind and maturity that separate him.
His 2024 season, which included 3,870 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, was a testament to his evolution as a decision-maker. In a division dominated by the Chiefs, Herbert quietly led the Chargers to an 11-6 record, asserting his status as one of the league’s most efficient passers.
From Eugene to Los Angeles: Herbert’s Early Rise
Before lighting up the NFL, Justin Herbert made his name at Oregon, where he started as a freshman in 2016. Despite being relatively under the radar during recruiting, he quickly earned the starting job and made an immediate impact.
In his debut season (2016), he posted 1,936 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a 148.8 passer rating in just eight games. He followed that up with a strong sophomore year in 2017, where his 67.5 percent completion rate and 1,983 yards showed clear growth, even though injuries limited his play.
In 2018, Herbert entered national conversation, throwing for 3,151 yards and 29 touchdowns. While some scouts wanted more polish, his deep-ball accuracy and toughness were evident.
His senior year in 2019 silenced all doubts. He posted 3,471 yards, 32 touchdowns, and led the Ducks to a Rose Bowl victory, solidifying his status as a top-tier prospect. Oregon molded him into a smart, composed quarterback who was ready to lead a professional offense from day one.
Consistency and Growth in the NFL
Since entering the league in 2020, Justin Herbert has steadily refined his game, evolving from an electric rookie into one of the NFL’s most reliable quarterbacks.
2020: A Rookie Debut That Redefined Expectations
Herbert’s rookie season was one of the most impressive in NFL history. After unexpectedly taking over in Week 2 of 2020, he never gave up the job. That season, he threw for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns, setting multiple rookie records.
He was fearless in the pocket, made quick decisions under pressure, and showed immediate chemistry with his receivers. That performance erased any concerns about his ability to adapt to NFL speed.
2021: A Leap in Production and Confidence
By his second year, Justin Herbert had already thrown for 5,014 yards, adding 38 touchdowns in the process. He finished the 2021 campaign with a 97.7 passer rating and a strong 70.9 QBR, leading the Chargers to a winning record despite a weak defense. It was clear by then that he was not a flash-in-the-pan quarterback. He had become the backbone of the franchise.
2022: Volume Numbers Amidst Shifting Conditions
In 2022, Herbert dealt with changes in personnel and some inconsistency up front, but his production held steady. He passed for 4,739 yards and 25 touchdowns, even while operating within a more conservative scheme. The Chargers leaned on his ability to keep drives alive and limit mistakes, resulting in another year of reliable quarterback play.
2023: Shortened Season, Same Toughness
The 2023 campaign was marred by injury, limiting Herbert to 13 games. He still managed to throw for 3,134 yards and 20 touchdowns, showing flashes of his usual form. Despite the setbacks, his 93.2 passer rating remained consistent, and his leadership helped steady a team that could have unraveled without him.
2024: A Return to Peak Efficiency
In 2024, Herbert returned to full strength and delivered one of his most efficient seasons yet. He completed 65.9 percent of his passes, threw 3,870 yards, posted a career-high 101.7 passer rating, and threw just three interceptions.
That consistency made him not only a leader for the Chargers but also a weekly favorite in fantasy circles and betting markets. Justin Herbert player props have become increasingly popular. The Chargers scored 402 total points, and their offense ranked among the league’s most balanced units.
The Postseason Remains the Final Hurdle
Despite his individual brilliance, Herbert’s playoff resume is still lacking. He has appeared in just two postseason games, posting 515 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions. His most recent playoff game in 2024 was particularly rough, where he completed just 43.8 percent of his passes and threw four picks. These numbers are far from what he’s shown in the regular season.
That contrast has become the main question surrounding his career. There is no doubt Herbert can perform at an elite level from September to December, but January has been a different story. Whether it’s nerves, coaching, or supporting cast, his postseason struggles have stalled what could already be a Hall of Fame trajectory. The next step for Herbert is winning meaningful games in the postseason.
Career Totals and Outlook for the Future
In five NFL seasons, Herbert has amassed 21,093 passing yards, 137 touchdowns, and a 66.5 percent completion rate. His 96.7 career passer rating and low interception total—just 45 on nearly 3,000 attempts—highlight his discipline. He’s also added 1,217 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, making him one of the more complete quarterbacks in the league.
Few players have been asked to carry as much responsibility as early as Herbert was. Through changing coordinators, injuries to receivers, and uneven line play, he has kept the Chargers consistently competitive. That’s no small feat in the AFC West, where Kansas City has remained the standard.
In 2024, the Chargers finished second in the division at 11-6, closing the gap on the 15-2 Chiefs with their strongest point differential since Herbert arrived. His progress remained a key storyline across the latest NFL team and player news, as experts tracked his continued climb toward elite status.
The Path Ahead for Herbert and the Chargers
As the team looks ahead, the core is in place. With Herbert under center, the Chargers know they have a shot every season. What remains is the challenge of turning that potential into playoff success. If that leap is made, Justin Herbert will become one of the best young quarterbacks in football.