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Justin Herbert still a top QB despite Chargers’ playoff failures in 2026

2026-07-17 · Justin Herbert · Player Focus

Justin Herbert is still viewed as one of the league’s best quarterbacks heading into the 2026 NFL season, even after three straight playoff losses.

What the new survey shows

An ESPN poll of more than 200 NFL executives, coaches and scouts placed Herbert among the top QBs in football. Nearly 80 percent of ballots included his name, underscoring the belief that his talent remains undeniable despite his 0-3 postseason record.

One NFC scout told ESPN the Chargers’ offensive coordinator job is “the best one available because of the quarterback.” The scout added that Mike McDaniel’s system should create more easy completions and first downs, which could help Herbert operate more efficiently.

Why his playoff struggles don’t define him

Herbert has led the NFL in touchdown passes from outside the pocket each of the past two seasons. His ability to improvise when plays break down has kept him among the league’s premier passers since the Chargers drafted him sixth overall in 2020.

He won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 with 31 touchdown passes. Through his first four seasons, Herbert rewrote league records for passing yards and completions. In 2024, he signed a $262.5 million extension as the Chargers’ franchise cornerstone.

Entering his seventh season, Herbert’s combination of arm talent, toughness and playmaking remains untouched. The only question left is whether he can turn that ability into the playoff breakthrough that has so far eluded him.

What’s next for Herbert and the Chargers

The Chargers are betting on continuity. McDaniel’s offense aims to simplify reads and create rhythm for Herbert, who thrived in structured sets last year. The team added weapons in the draft and free agency to bolster a passing game that already ranked sixth in yards per game in 2025.

Herbert’s development under McDaniel has been steady. His completion percentage climbed to 68.2 percent in 2025, up from 66.6 percent in 2024. The offense ranked 12th in scoring last season, but finished 10th in yards, showing big-play potential even when results lagged.

Now the focus shifts to execution. Herbert has already proven he can win outside structure. The next step is doing it when it matters most-inside the playoffs.

The Chargers open the 2026 season on September 7 at home against the Las Vegas Raiders.

More Justin Herbert news →