Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert likely has his best chance at making a deep playoff run with this year’s team. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
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The Justin Herbert-led Los Angeles Chargers look like one of the top contenders in a top-heavy AFC.
The Chargers are coming off of another impressive victory, this time a national television thumping of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a 25-10 win over the AFC North leaders in Week 10. Los Angeles dominated all throughout, stifling the Aaron Rodgers-led offensive unit to just 221 total yards and 4.4 yards per play.
Herbert once again had an impressive showing, posting 220 passing yards with one touchdown and zero turnovers. After the win moved the Chargers to a record of 7-3 – they’re just a game behind the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos – Herbert still leads all quarterbacks this season with 324 rushing yards.
The Chargers currently have one of the top four records in the AFC, behind the 8-2 Broncos, Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots. Los Angeles lost to Indianapolis in Week 7, but previously defeated the Broncos on a last-second field goal back in Week 3.
Herbert, who is looking for his first playoff win, says the Chargers have become better over the years of bouncing back from losses. Los Angeles has obviously had two tough playoff losses in the Herbert era, one in which they blew a 27-0 lead against the Jacksonville Jaguars and another in which they were heavily favored over the Houston Texans last season.
“Yeah, I think it’s about the next play mentality,” says Herbert of the key to responding to adversity in a one-on-one interview. “Like you said, a couple tough losses, but you can’t let those ones affect your next one. I think our team has done a great job of bouncing back and focusing and refocusing and always talking about the next performance, next match, and you can’t let that last play affect your next one – whether it’s a sack, whether it’s an interception or whether it’s a touchdown. You’re going back out there on the field, and you’re doing your best to get the job done for your teammates.”
In their second year under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have displayed a degree of toughness. They’ve drastically limited the turnovers with Herbert throwing just three last season to lead the NFL with a 0.6% interception rate. Los Angeles has also dominated in time of possession, ranking second in average time and plays per drive and third in average yards per drive.
They’re also one of the top defensive units in the NFL, ranking seventh in points allowed and fourth in yards allowed.
In other words, they have all of the ingredients of a team capable of making a deep playoff run – a franchise passer, a stout running game and a top 10 defensive unit.
To top things off, they now have arguably the deepest depth chart when it comes to their receiving core. What was once viewed as one of the weakest receiving cores in the NFL is now suddenly a strength. The Chargers have four capable weapons in six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen, young stars Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston and standout first-year tight end Oronde Gadsen II.
All four receivers were involved in the win over the Steelers with McConkey leading the way with four grabs for 107 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Allen broke the Chargers franchise record for receptions (956) and is having a strong season at the age of 33, leading the team with 52 grabs for 539 yards and four touchdowns. Johnson also chipped in with five catches for 42 yards.
The Chargers have had all four receivers lead in receiving during individual games this season, with Johnston leading in the first four games. Meanwhile, Allen has led in one game, while Gadsen II has led in two and McConkey has led in three of the past five games.
The deepness of the depth chart will go a long way towards what could be a deep run for the Chargers this season. They’re seeking their first AFC West title since 2009 – they’ll face the Broncos in a rematch in the last game of the season – and their first playoff win since the 2018 season.
“Yeah, it’s so much fun,” says Herbert of playing with his receiving core. “I realized all I have to do is just get them the ball, get them the ball out in space, and something good is going to happen. We saw that (last week against the Tennessee Titans) where Q made a couple great plays downfield. Oronde made a couple great plays on third down.
“You’re looking for Lad and Keenan, and they’ve done such a great job all of year of just getting open, identifying how they’re getting played defense, leverage,” Herbert continues to say. “They’re really smart. They’re great guys too. I’m really lucky to be able to throw them the ball.”
The Chargers have a decently tough remaining schedule against the likes of the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and road games against the Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs. Their strength of schedule is the 12th-toughest with an opponent winning percentage of .532, just a tad higher than the Broncos’ .508 winning percentage.
However, based upon their previous wins over the Broncos and Chiefs, this looks like the best team the Chargers have had in years. In a wide-open AFC conference, Los Angeles has its best opportunity to advance to the Super Bowl in years.
As Herbert continues to lead the Chargers to victories, he’s partnering with KIND for their World Kindness Day campaign. World Kindness Day takes place on November 13 of every year to go and practice positive acts of kindness for others. Herbert will celebrate the occasion by giving back to the Los Angeles community.
The Chargers quarterback recently gave back to the community by helping dogs at the Pause For Life K9 Rescue.
“My partnership with KIND started a long time ago,” says Herbert of his work with KIND. “I was big fan of KIND, and now they’ve launched this Choose KIND Campaign. It’s all about small acts of kindness that create a ripple effect and spread around. For my act of kindness, I’ve been able to partner with Paws for Life K9 rescue, a great organization here in LA that give dogs a second chance, gives them a second chance at having an owner. Dogs have been neglected, underfed, and I think they do great work. To be able to partner with both has been awesome for everyone.”
Herbert further details what World Kindness Day is all about. The day was first observed internationally back in 1998.
“I think kindness and being nice is something that is so important to the world and taking care of one another, because we’re really in it all together,” says Herbert. “I think it’s a great day to be able to open a door for someone, let them merge in front of you if you’re driving. I think those small actions can really impact someone’s day. If we’re all doing that, taking care of each other, I think it’s going to be a great day for everyone. I think KIND and the Choose KIND campaign have done a great job on that.”
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/djsiddiqi/2025/11/13/los-angeles-chargers-qb-justin-herbert-on-key-to-teams-success-its-about-the-next-play-mentality/
