Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers improved to 9-6 after a hard-fought comeback win against the Denver Broncos. The Chargers trailed by 21-13 at halftime but outscored the Broncos 21-6 in the second half to win the game.
Herbert bounced back from a first-half interception and played quite well. Many on social media praised his performance, as with this win, the Chargers took a big step toward making the playoffs.
Dan Orlovsky and Others React to Justin Herbert’s Performance
Herbert was 23-of-31 passing for 284 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He completed 74.1% of his throws with a passer rating of 110.1 while also rushing for a crucial 28 yards.
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky was among the people who praised the Chargers quarterback for his performance against the Broncos. Here are some of the reactions:
“This is one of the best games I’ve ever seen Herbert play,” Orlovsky said. “He’s been absolutely fantastic.”
Herbert finally got a head coach. Still underwhelming weapons. This second half has been all him.
— Colin Cowherd (@colincowherd) December 20, 2024
“This is the type of response the Chargers needed & it’s being led by Justin Herbert!!” said former Chargers QB Chase Daniel. “He’s been insanely good in the 2nd half. Chargers have lost 11 games in a row decided by 3 points or fewer….3rd most in NFL history.”
“What a second half by Justin Herbert and the Chargers defense,” wrote Skip Bayless.
Before this win on Thursday Night Football in Week 16, the Chargers had only one win this year against a team better than .500. It also came against Denver in Week 6 earlier this season, and now Jim Harbaugh’s team will be a tough matchup for anyone in the postseason.
Harbaugh has had an instant impact on the team, slowly turning Herbert into a winning player. The Chargers do not have elite players on the offense, yet their quarterback has brought the best out of available options and will aim to win the first playoff game of his career next month.
Herbert’s Stunning TD Throw Left Many in Awe
Herbert threw a majestic 19-yard touchdown pass to Derius Davis in the beginning of the fourth quarter to give the Chargers a 25-24 lead over the Broncos. He then connected with Joshua Palmer on a two-point attempt to extend the lead to three points.
The touchdown pass from the 26-year-old quarterback left everyone in awe and sparked reactions from some notable media personalities and former NFL players.
Here are some of the reactions:
JUSTIN HERBERT
This is one of the most ridiculous TD throws I’ve seen…moving to his left! pic.twitter.com/pxy13AGm6r
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) December 20, 2024
Mina Kimes wrote, “That TD….freaking ridiculous throw from Herbert, man.”
Skip Bayless also praised the Chargers star and said, “Great throw by Justin Herbert moving left falling away cross body with rusher bearing down for a touchdown.”
“Yooo, that’s a dot sheesh .. on the run with a defender in his face,” said LeSean McCoy.
In 15 games this season, Herbert has thrown for 3,243 yards, 18 touchdowns, and three interceptions, completing 64.7% of his throws with a career-high passer rating of 98.4.
The Chargers lost both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this past offseason. Yet, Herbert has managed to have a productive season with one of the worst supporting casts in the league. Harbaugh’s team is already a force to be reckoned with, but if they get the right pieces via the draft in 2025, the Chargers could be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
