The point isn’t that Patrick Mahomes had the worst game of his career with the season on the line while missing three linemen—his résumé speaks for itself. The point is that Justin Herbert has played virtually every game this season down three linemen, behind what might be the worst offensive line in a decade, and hardly anyone notices.
With Rashawn Slater missing every game, Joe Alt missing the overwhelming majority of the season, Hampton out half the season, Khalil Mack sidelined for a month and a half, and the Chargers fielding the worst offensive line in a decade, this team had no business winning even six games this season. Yet they’re 8–4.
Justin Herbert is, quite literally, underrated.