The Los Angeles Chargers are absolutely reeling to kick off the 2026 NFL season, sporting a brutal 0-2 record after losing both games by the identical score of 26-14 to the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. At the heart of their early season struggles? Quarterback Justin Herbert. He’s been putting together a string of poor performances that have ESPN’s Dan Graziano questioning if Herbert will ever play at a high level again. This is a brutal sign for the Chargers’ 28-year-old QB.
The Brutal Reality
Coming into the 2026 season, there was so much hype around Herbert and the pairing with Mike McDaniel. Everyone talked about his incredible arm and the tools that should make him an elite quarterback. But man, these early struggles have completely flipped the script, sparking major concern across the league. Graziano didn’t pull any punches, stating, “If this season doesn’t turn around, I think we’re at the point where it’s worth having a real conversation about whether Herbert will ever really be the high-level quarterback his talent says he should.” That’s a gut punch for any fan who believed in Herbert’s supposed elite status.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
After only two games, the stats paint a grim picture. Herbert has only 401 yards passing, a paltry two touchdowns, and three interceptions. His QBR? A shockingly low 29.3, placing him 31st in the entire NFL. While it’s true the losses aren’t solely on his shoulders, Herbert definitely played a significant role in both. The numbers speak for themselves and they’re not saying “elite” at all.
What Happens Next?
Graziano says he’s holding off on full judgment until after the season, but let’s be real: the question marks are already piling up. If things don’t improve quickly, we could be looking at some seriously uncomfortable conversations about Herbert’s ceiling and his place among the league’s top quarterbacks after this 2026 season. The Chargers need a turnaround, and they need it yesterday.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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