Justin Herbert has landed among the bottom five quarterbacks in recent power rankings as the Los Angeles Chargers continue to struggle during the 2026 NFL season. The disappointing assessment raises questions about the team’s offensive direction and whether its franchise quarterback can regain the consistency needed to keep Los Angeles competitive.
Herbert entered the league with a reputation for possessing elite arm strength, impressive accuracy and the ability to make difficult throws under pressure. Those qualities helped establish him as one of the NFL’s most promising young quarterbacks, but recent struggles have complicated his standing among the league’s starters. His placement near the bottom of the rankings reflects concerns about his current production rather than a complete dismissal of his ability.
Aug 7, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Chargers’ offensive problems extend beyond the quarterback position, with protection issues placing additional pressure on Herbert to deliver under difficult circumstances. He has absorbed an extraordinary number of hits throughout his career, raising concerns about the physical toll of repeatedly operating behind a vulnerable offensive line. Sustained pressure can disrupt timing, limit downfield opportunities and force quarterbacks into rushed decisions that increase the likelihood of costly mistakes.
Los Angeles also needs greater consistency from its supporting cast to help stabilize the offense. Receivers must create separation, the running game needs to provide balance, and the offensive line must give Herbert enough time to work through his progressions. Without improvements in those areas, even a talented quarterback can struggle to produce at the level expected of a franchise cornerstone.
Jul 25, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Herbert was counted among the worst quarterbacks in the league this season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Garrett Podell for CBS Sports.
Justin Herbert is 0-4 with four passing touchdowns and six interceptions, and he’s making the wrong kind of NFL history. He is the first quarterback since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger to have each of the following happen in his team’s first four games: lost the game, a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 1.0 or worse, under 250 passing yards and multiple sacks. He and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel have not clicked all in 2026.
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Justin Herbert is 0-4 with four passing touchdowns and six interceptions, and he’s making the wrong kind of NFL history. He is the first quarterback since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger to have each of the following happen in his team’s first four games: lost the game, a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 1.0 or worse, under 250 passing yards and multiple sacks. He and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel have not clicked all in 2026.
The team’s coaching staff faces an important challenge in finding ways to maximize Herbert’s strengths while reducing his exposure to defensive pressure. Quicker throws, improved protection schemes and a more dependable ground attack could help restore rhythm to the offense. However, Herbert must also demonstrate better decision-making and situational awareness when defenses force him away from his preferred reads.
Herbert’s position in the bottom five of the rankings is a warning sign for a Chargers team with postseason ambitions, but it does not necessarily define his long-term outlook. His physical tools and previous performances provide reasons to believe he can rebound if the offense improves around him. For Los Angeles, the priority must be finding a sustainable formula that protects its quarterback and allows him to play with greater consistency as the season progresses.
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