No quarterback in NFL history has thrown for more yards through their first 5 seasons than Chargers star Justin Herbert. Even though Herbert’s yardage has decreased significantly since 2021, he’s thrown fewer interceptions and improved his passer rating.
The biggest knock on Herbert so far is his lack of playoff success. He’s only 0-2 in the postseason, but LA lost both games in shocking fashion, and his stats are quite underwhelming.
Justin Herbert has completed just 52% of his passes for 515 yards, 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. However, those numbers aren’t too different from the early-career playoff stats of another quarterback you’re familiar with: Peyton Manning.
Danny Parkins of Fox Sports 1 ranked his top 5 players he’s most excited to watch in 2025 on Friday. After Parkins listed him at No. 3, he explained that Herbert “still is on pace to be Peyton Manning.”
Justin Herbert’s Lack of Early Career Playoff Success Reminiscent of Peyton Manning
While plenty of accolades still separate them, Parkins believes that Justin Herbert is on a similar career trajectory to Manning. Over his 17-year career, Peyton Manning consistently performed at the highest level, with the hardware to match. Manning earned 14 Pro Bowl nods, 7 First-Team All-Pro selections, 5 MVPs and 2 Super Bowls.
If Herbert can achieve even half of what Manning did, the Chargers would likely build him a statue.
Parkins called Justin Herbert “the ultimate eye test quarterback,” saying he believes Herbert is the No. 5 quarterback in the world. Even though his ranking isn’t based on “anything numeric,” Parkins believes Herbert “still is on pace to be Peyton Manning.”
“Through 5 seasons, identical records, better completion percentage, identical touchdowns, both winless in the postseason,” Perkins said. But, Parkins notes that Manning finally broke through in year 6, and “started ripping off MVPs in years 6 and 7, and conference championships and, ultimately, Super Bowls.”
So, if Justin Herbert wants to keep pace with Peyton Manning, this will have to be the year that he gets over the hump and notches his first playoff victory.
LA Has the Infrastructure for a Deeper Playoff Run
Even though LA could have done more in free agency, this year’s Chargers team will not look the same as last year’s. The Chargers spent the offseason utilizing a ‘dart throw’ mentality, building depth at virtually every position group.
Justin Herbert will have the benefit of fresh legs in the rushing attack, featuring this year’s first-round pick Omarion Hampton and a ‘change of scenery’ for veteran Najee Harris. The front office brought in more weapons in the passing game, as well.
The Chargers drafted Second-Team All-American wide receiver Tre Harris in the second round and wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith and tight end Oronde Gadsden II in the fifth round. So far, Gadsden has impressed the most out of those three, garnering praise from Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski as the No. 1 non-first-round rookie tight end projected to be a breakout weapon in 2025.
Outside of the offensive skill positions, the Chargers have all the tools necessary to make Parkins’ prediction come true.
“You’ve got maybe the best tackle duo in the NFL,” Parkins said. “You’ve got a competent coach. You’ve got a top-10 defense. You need to make me right this season.”
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