Tom Brady didn’t pull any punches Sunday, flat-out blasting Justin Herbert’s fourth-quarter interception as a “meatball sub” throw. This wasn’t some subtle jab either, Brady was explicit about Herbert’s “poor awareness, poor decision” after the Chargers’ QB forced a deep pass into the middle of the field that cost his team dearly.
Brady Calls Out Herbert’s “Poor Awareness”
The play Brady was ripping happened on third-and-5 from the Buffalo 23, with the Chargers trailing. Herbert, under pressure or just making a terrible read, tried to shove a deep pass right into the middle of the field. Buffalo defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson saw it coming a mile away, intercepting the ball at the 1-yard line and zipping it all the way out to the 42. Brady’s take was brutal, but fair. “There’s a safety in the middle of the field,” Brady said. “Poor awareness, poor decision, throws him a meatball sub.” That kind of mistake in a tight game is just killer, especially when your team is desperate for a win.
Red Zone Woes Leave Chargers Digging a Deeper Hole
But that fourth-quarter pick wasn’t the only time Brady called out the Chargers’ decision-making. Earlier, in the third quarter, they had marched all the way to the Buffalo 1-yard line, prime scoring territory. What happened next? A false start and a holding penalty, pushing the offense backward and forcing Herbert into much harder throws. Brady didn’t miss that either. “Second and goal on the one. I just think you shouldn’t even be in this situation. Quarterback sneak, put it in,” Brady stated. “You call a fancy play, lose yards, false start, now these are much higher level of difficulty plays you have to run.” It highlights a massive problem: the Chargers simply can’t find answers in the red zone, even when given chances.
Herbert ended the game completing 20-of-34 passes for 226 yards, with one touchdown and that painful interception. The Bills are looking strong at 3-0, while the Chargers are now a dismal 0-3. They couldn’t capitalize on Buffalo’s five turnovers, and their red zone issues are clearly a major hurdle. This team needs to figure out how to score points and eliminate costly mistakes, or this season is going to be a long one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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