Why Sam Monson Chose Justin Herbert Over Stafford and Maye for NFL MVP
Chargers' Justin Herbert Goes on Warpath After Reporter Questions His Vocal Leadership 1
The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-2 for the first time since Justin Herbert became their starting quarterback. On Sunday, they lost 26-14 to the Las Vegas Raiders in their home opener at SoFi Stadium.
It was their second straight defeat to open the season. Herbert was sacked four times, and the offense never found a rhythm. After the game, a reporter asked Herbert about the team’s leadership. It was a question he had heard before, and this time he did not let it slide.
Justin Herbert fires back over Chargers’ leadership questions after loss
The Chargers opened the season with a 24-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, then fell to the Raiders on Sunday, dropping to 0-2.
During Monday’s press conference, an ESPN reporter asked Herbert whether the team lacked vocal leadership and a sense of urgency. Herbert cut the question off before it finished.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin HerbertLos Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert
Dec 3, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is congratulated by fans after defeating the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
“I think I’m going to stop you right there and say that it’s very present,” Herbert said. “We’ve got great leadership on this team. And I trust those guys in that locker room. And so I don’t think anyone is panicked or worried because that’s not going to do us any good.”
Herbert completed 21 of 34 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown against the Raiders, but was sacked four times behind an offensive line that has struggled all season. He rejected the idea that his quiet demeanor equals absent leadership. “It’s moving on to the next play and understand that we’re close,” he said. “We’ve made mistakes. How do we fix them? And how do we move on?”
The Chargers have now allowed eight sacks in two games, continuing a pass-protection problem that plagued them in 2025 when Herbert was sacked 54 times. The team returns to action Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chargers’ recent Justin Herbert support adds context to the leadership debate
The leadership question did not come out of nowhere. Herbert spent the 2025 season taking hit after hit behind a banged-up offensive line, finishing with 54 sacks.
Before the 2026 season began, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh publicly called Herbert the toughest quarterback in the league during an August press conference, a clear move to protect his starter from outside noise.
“I mean, a guy that can play with a broken hand. The next week, he’s stiff-arming a guy in a game. The strength of 10 men. It’s incredible. Let’s just say I’m glad he’s on our team,” he had said at the time.
That support matters because the numbers tell the real story. Through two games, the Chargers have already allowed eight sacks, carrying over the pass-protection struggles from the 2025 season. NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah named the offensive line as the team’s biggest weakness heading into the season. Those structural roster issues explain the 0-2 start far better than any perceived lack of vocal leadership.
The Chargers now have to turn Herbert’s message into better protection, defense, and results. That responsibility falls on players, coaches, and the quarterback alike.
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