Sports

Justin Herbert’s Decision-Making Gets Ripped as ‘Indefensible’ After Seattle Loss

Nairavoice · Oct 6, 2026 · 2 min read

Justin Herbert faced heavy criticism after the Los Angeles Chargers’ offense fell apart. The quarterback made poor decisions and threw two costly interceptions while under constant pressure. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said Herbert’s mistakes were indefensible.

Orlovsky noted that weak protection and confusing play design share the blame for an offense that currently lacks execution. He added that the entire offense shares responsibility because the unit currently lacks clear direction, consistency, and reliable execution.

NFL analyst slams Justin Herbert decision-making after Chargers loss

The Chargers fell to 0-4 after a 30-23 loss at Seattle on Sunday, with Herbert throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble on a strip-sack during the Chargers’ final possession. He opened the game by throwing a pick on the first play from scrimmage and finished the first half just 5-of-15 for 36 yards as Seattle built a 27-6 lead before the Chargers rallied.

Dan Orlovsky did not hold back when breaking down the tape on The Pat McAfee Show. “The decision-making was indefensible,” Orlovsky said. “I have no idea what the point of this play is… This is just bad offense.” He added, “How is he getting hit on a three-step drop before he hits his back foot?”

Through four games, Herbert has thrown for 816 yards with four touchdowns against six interceptions, producing a 70.6 passer rating that ranks 28th among 29 qualified quarterbacks. Herbert has already doubled his 2024 interception total through four games, throwing six picks compared to just three across 17 games in 2024.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh pushed back on the criticism after the game, calling Herbert’s effort one of the grittiest performances he has ever been associated with from a quarterback and saying there is no player he has coached that he respects more. The Chargers have not opened a season 0-4 since 2017, and only the 1992 San Diego Chargers have ever made the playoffs after starting that poorly.

Chargers’ offensive collapse increases pressure on Justin Herbert

That protection breakdown has been a season-long pattern, not a one-game issue. The Chargers entered Sunday already ranked 29th in scoring offense at 14.7 points per game, a gap that has only grown more visible with each passing week.

Orlovsky summed up the bigger picture bluntly. “It’s a very broken offense, and everybody has their hand in it…” he said, spreading responsibility across the coaching staff and not just the quarterback.

That shared blame now extends to offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, whose seat has started drawing questions of its own. Harbaugh addressed McDaniel’s job security directly after the loss as the Chargers prepare to host the Denver Broncos next Sunday at 0-4.