Despite impressive regular-season performances, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has yet to demonstrate the clutch gene that separates elite QBs. Former Chargers safety Chris Harris Jr. believes Herbert lacks the fourth-quarter dominance displayed by Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and other top players.
Justin Herbert, quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, is undoubtedly talented. With over 4,300 passing yards in three of his four NFL seasons, 114 touchdowns, and 42 interceptions, Herbert has proven his ability to sling the rock. However, there's one key attribute missing from his game—the clutch factor.
Playoff success is the ultimate measure of a player's worth, and Herbert has yet to achieve it despite his impressive regular-season statistics. He has appeared in the playoffs just once, a dismal performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars two seasons ago.
Chris Harris Jr., a former Chargers safety, believes Herbert lacks the "clutch factor" that separates elite QBs. He witnessed Herbert's struggles firsthand during his first two seasons, where the team went 15-17 under his leadership.
Despite his physical attributes, Herbert's Chargers squad has failed to contend for a Lombardi Trophy. Harris Jr. attributes this to Herbert's lack of dominance in critical moments.
"He's (missing) that clutch factor," Harris Jr. said. "It's that fourth-quarter dominance that you can see from a [Tom] Brady, that you see from [Patrick] Mahomes or Big Ben [Roethlisberger]. When I played against those guys, if the game was a touchdown or three points, I was nervous."
While Herbert has only played one game in the playoffs, he has exhibited clutch moments early in his career. He has engineered 11 fourth-quarter comebacks and 14 game-winning drives.
This suggests that Herbert has the potential to develop the clutch gene. Harris Jr. believes that new head coach Jim Harbaugh, known for his ability to elevate quarterbacks, can help Herbert reach new heights.
"I think he does have it, but it's going to take an experienced coach to bring that out of him," Harris Jr. explained. "That's why I think Harbaugh is going to be a great fit for him."
However, football is a team sport, and offensive success alone is not enough to guarantee victories. Chargers fans have seen their team put up impressive offensive numbers only to lose due to poor defense.
The upcoming season will be a test for Herbert, as he enters it without two of his top targets (Keenan Allen and Mike Williams) and his trusty running back (Austin Ekeler). A new-look offense could add pressure to Herbert, but the great ones thrive under adversity.
Harris Jr. believes that with Harbaugh's guidance, Herbert can overcome these challenges and reach the next level.
"It used to be all on Justin, and he probably felt the burden of that every week," Harris Jr. admitted. "Having that protection up front. Having a run game. Having a solid defense. … Those are the little factors that I think will help him get to that next level."
Whether Herbert can develop the clutch gene and lead the Chargers to playoff success remains to be seen. But with the addition of Jim Harbaugh and his proven ability to elevate quarterbacks, Herbert has the potential to reach the next level and establish himself among the elite QBs in the NFL.
