Harbaugh: Herbert’s biggest weakness is ‘those he’s counting on on offense’

Harbaugh: Herbert’s biggest weakness is ‘those he’s counting on on offense’
Bolts From The Blue Bolts From The Blue

Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh believes the weakness of Justin Herbert is only limited by those around him.

No player in NFL history has thrown for more passing yards in their first five seasons than Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert. He’s proven to be a top-level quarterback at the professional level, and his head coach, Jim Harbaugh, says the only limitation for Herbert is those he is surrounded by.

“This is from the heart; this is the truth. Justin Herbert’s biggest weakness is all of those that he’s counting on on offense — coaches, offensive line, playmakers, receivers, running backs — to get up to his level,” Harbaugh said. “I wake up every day to try to get to his level.”

The comment isn’t a slight on his supporting cast. The offense has had the makings of improving their game. And one season into Harbaugh being head coach, the Chargers ramped up to 11-6 and made the playoffs after a 5-12 record in 2023.

Now, the Chargers are looking to take the next step, and it won’t be easy with the division chock-full of talent.

“Everybody’s good. There’s no question that our division’s really good. And every team has that optimism that they’re going to — that it’s going to be a successful season. I mean, the bullies that’s been on the block has been the Chiefs. I mean, they’ve won the division nine straight times. So, it’s like, ‘What are we going to do about it?’”

Last season, the Chiefs bested the Chargers in both contests, but they were close contests. In the first meeting, the Chiefs won, 17-10 in Week 4. In Week 14, the Chargers took a 17-16 lead with 4:35 on the clock, but a final drive by the Chiefs that survived three third-down conversions saw them win, 19-17, on a 31-yard field goal by Matthew Wright in final second.

With new weapons on offense, an offensive line led by recently extended left tackle Rashawn Slater and consistency with the coaching staff, the opportunity to rip the division from the Chiefs is there.