Chargers Struggle as Herbert Takes Heat for Losses

The shaky feeling you experienced around 6:57 PM EST on Sunday might have been the entire arena of analysts rushing to defend Justin Herbert amid the Los Angeles Chargers’ second home loss in a row to a team that had a top-three draft pick this past April.

It seems Herbert can never catch a break, right? For some, he’s the epitome of what quarterbacking should be, even as he threw two interceptions and managed a dismal QBR of 15.6 against a defense that ranked 23rd in EPA per pass in 2025. Looks like Mr. Orlovsky has some thoughts to share.

No matter what happens, there’s always an excuse ready to go. Advocates for Herbert will likely defend his shortcomings, and his average performances get plenty of forgiveness from his most ardent supporters. Yet, just two weeks into this season, maybe it’s time for those supporters to reconsider their unwavering faith in Herbert and the Chargers, which, frankly, feels misplaced.

It’s true, Herbert dazzled during his first two seasons in 2020 and 2021, throwing for over 9,000 yards and racking up 69 touchdowns, including a 5,000-yard season. He boasted a passer rating above 97 during those years, shining between Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford on the EPA leaderboard. However, since then, he’s been… okay? Since 2022, for quarterbacks playing at least 250 snaps, Herbert’s EPA per play stands at just 0.03—on par with C.J. Stroud and Michael Penix. It’s worth noting he’s still fourth in yards and eighth in touchdown passes. Yet, he’s also missed the playoffs as often as he’s made them, and his playoff stats make for grim reading over the last 25 years.

Now, let’s discuss the present. Herbert performed poorly in the Chargers’ first two games this season. So far, he has two touchdowns, three interceptions, and a completion rate sitting at 59%. He ranks 27th in EPA per play despite playing against two teams he was expected to beat. For instance, against the Cardinals, he was favored by 9.5 points but only got to around 60% completion with a single touchdown and one interception, scoring just 14 points. The embarrassment deepened when Drew Lock managed to score three touchdowns against Arizona, leading to a 24-point beatdown by the Seahawks in Week 2. In that same week against the Raiders, the Chargers’ offense had eight drives that didn’t exceed six plays, resulting in nothing but punts or turnovers.

Now, after falling to two teams projected to be among the league’s worst, the Chargers find themselves facing the toughest schedule ahead. In Week 3, they’re off to Buffalo to challenge a high-octane Bills offense and then to Seattle, followed by a home game against the Broncos, a match against the Chiefs on the road, and a showdown with the Rams, before heading to Houston and taking a bye week.

So, what’s the excuse this time? “His offensive line isn’t great.” Well, both tackles are healthy, and his pressure percentage ranks 12th lowest in the league. “It’s the coaching.” Everyone talked about how Mike McDaniel was supposed to bring out the best in Herbert, yet he generated better results from Tua Tagovailoa early on. “He lacks a top-tier receiver.” Remember, Josh Allen clinched an MVP with Mack Hollins as his leading target, and Patrick Mahomes took home a Super Bowl while throwing to Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore. If Herbert really does need more help, that’s understandable—most quarterbacks do—but let’s not put him in conversations where he doesn’t belong.

And there’s that. Now, what’s next?

The New Orleans Saints Have Arrived

The Saints wrapped up the previous season on a strong note, winning four of their last five games and seemingly finding a gem in second-round pick Tyler Shough. Yet, during the first two-and-a-half quarters against the Detroit Lions in Week 1, it appeared as though they were falling back into their old ways. Then, Shough engineered a stunning 21-point comeback in the second half that pushed the game into overtime. Although they ultimately lost, he showcased resilience by passing for over 400 yards.

After facing another tough opponent in the Baltimore Ravens, the Saints leaned heavily on Shough, who was again clutch in late-game situations. He led them on a lengthy 16-play drive, chewing up nearly seven minutes on the clock. On that drive, he completed seven of eight passes for 61 yards and capped it off with a rushing touchdown from a yard out to take the lead. Although the Ravens had a potential opportunity to equalize, a crucial interception by Lamar Jackson sealed a significant victory for the Saints, marking their biggest win since the end of the Drew Brees-Sean Payton era. Through two games, Shough leads the league with 662 passing yards and five total touchdowns, while his core receivers, including Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele, have been productive.

Historically, the Saints have faced criticism for their lack of roster depth, seemingly capping their potential. However, they now sport an encouraging blend of youth and seasoned talent. With the NFC South open, this Saints team has a legitimate shot at hosting a playoff game come January. If they reach that point, their success will largely hinge on the arm of their second-year quarterback and the smart play-calling from head coach Kellen Moore.

The Raiders Have Found Their Coach

Since 2020, the Las Vegas Raiders have shuffled through five head coaches, compiling a dismal 39-62 record over the past six seasons. After a 3-14 season that cost Pete Carroll his job, the Raiders tapped offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak—who previously helped lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory—and it seems they might finally have the right person for the job.

The Kubiak era kicked off impressively with a 27-13 win over the Miami Dolphins, but Week 2 illustrated a shift for this Vegas team that has long been seen as mediocre. In a road game against the Chargers, the Raiders’ defense produced three takeaways and three sacks, leading to a convincing 26-14 win against their divisional rivals. Kirk Cousins had a stellar outing, going 19-of-29 for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Impressively, the Raiders have achieved this without Brock Bowers, which should excite fans about his eventual return.

These victories are legitimate; they’re not just fortunate, low-scoring matchups. Dominating their opponents, the Raiders have collectively outscored their two foes 51-27. Whether they’ll emerge as a playoff contender remains uncertain, but that’s secondary. What’s more crucial is finding stability; Kubiak might be what fans have been looking for all along, which is more vital than a surprise playoff berth in Year One. Still, don’t be shocked if that’s ultimately where this team heads if this level of performance continues.

The Rams Are Back

Surprise, surprise. When the Rams don’t have to make a lengthy flight before the game, they showcase the talent everyone expected. After a poor performance in Week 1 against the 49ers, the Rams bounced back impressively in their home opener against a New York Giants team that was riding high after an earlier victory over the Cowboys.

Davante Adams proved he hasn’t lost his touch, catching eight passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns, compensating for the absence of the injured Puka Nacua. Defensively, although Myles Garrett was sidelined, they had Aaron Donald back, who made a notable comeback with three tackles, including a tackle for loss.

Matthew Stafford looked like the MVP candidate he once was, finishing with 327 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Rams to a comfortable 28-6 victory. Once this team is fully assembled, it could become very tough to face.

One Play That Changed Everything

The Ravens were enjoying success on the ground, averaging less than five yards per carry, when they faced a pivotal 3rd-and-1 with just over eight minutes remaining against the Saints. Instead of relying on Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson to power through, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle opted for a deep pass to Chris Moore. Unfortunately for them, Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry broke up the pass, forcing a punt. The Saints capitalized, orchestrating that lengthy touchdown drive. Had the Ravens leaned on their ground game, they might be looking at a different record right now.

Buy: The Cowboys Are Serious Contenders

The Cowboys kicked off their season a bit slowly, but they quickly regained their footing in impressive fashion. Dak Prescott threw for 279 yards and four touchdowns, becoming the franchise’s all-time touchdowns leader in the process. CeeDee Lamb also had an outstanding game, catching eight passes for 153 yards and two scores, helping secure a 37-20 win over the Commanders. A crucial matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil waits ahead, which they are expected to win, landing them at 2-1.

Sell: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs sit at 0-2 and allowed Deshaun Watson to put on his best performance as a Brown against them. Baker Mayfield’s showing raises concerns; he’s averaging just 6.4 yards per attempt and 199 yards per game, with only one touchdown against two turnovers. Being in the NFC South might prolong their chances, but they shouldn’t be taken seriously as a contender.

Buy: Bills Are Better Without Sean McDermott

It’s too early to judge how this will play out come January, but through two games, the Bills seem to mean business. They scored 36 points against a Texans defense regarded as one of the league’s best, followed by a 41-point outing against the Lions just days later. Josh Allen has thrown nine touchdowns without any turnovers, showcasing early MVP potential. Meanwhile, Greg Rousseau has quickly adapted to the new defense, amassing four sacks. Unlike previous seasons, this team isn’t letting up.

Sell: New England Patriots Offense

New England managed to bounce back from a disappointing first week by defeating the Steelers 20-3. Still, their offense remains a problem, ranking 26th in EPA per play with only 23 points scored over two games. Drake Maye, who was a breakout star last season, has already thrown four interceptions, raising concerns about his performance.

The Rams Will Handle Denver in Week 3

The Rams and Broncos will close out the Week 3 Sunday slate in Sunday Night Football. The Rams are currently 2.5-point favorites, and they should cover that spread comfortably. The Broncos’ offense ranks 27th in EPA per play, while the Rams possess both the best offense and defense they’ve faced so far. Expect a solid win for LA, possibly 27-13, which could spark renewed conversations about Sean Payton taking back play-calling duties.