2 Justin Herbert Stats That Defy Logic In Win Over Broncos

In many ways, this game is exactly what fans of the Los Angeles Chargers wanted to see. Ahead of the game, Justin Herbert was averaging just 144 yards passing per game and had thrown just five touchdown passes in the first four games of the season.

But against the Denver Broncos, Herbert was able to push the ball down the field, posting several season-best numbers; average depth of target of 8.9 yards and connecting with nine different wide receivers 21 times for 237 yards and a touchdown.

Justin Herbert Better Under Pressure?

And what was even more impressive was he did it against one of the league’s best defenses. The Broncos’ defense has quickly been recognized as one of the most creative and aggressive pass rushes in the league. They have generated the third-highest pressure rate in the league at 31.6 percent by blitzing at the second-highest rate, 40.1 percent.

And that didn’t change in this game. The Broncos put a lot of pressure on Herbert. Per PFF, he was under pressure on 44 percent of passing attempts. That was also a season-high. Herbert had been under a total of 36 times in four games. In this game alone, he saw 15 pressures and was sacked three times. That represents more than 40 percent of his total pressures.

In the previous weeks, the Chargers struggled to create explosive passing plays. In this game, they had six, including a 38-yard touchdown bomb to rookie Kimani Vidal, the first touch of his NFL career, and a 30-yard pass to Simi Fehoko. Ladd McConkey was Herbert’s favorite target. He sent the ball his way eight times. He caught four passes for 43 yards, one less than Fehoko.

Herbert’s stat line is far from historic, even when just comparing it to Herbert’s greatest hits. But to do what he did do against this defense is impressive. The Chargers took their foot off the gas once they took a 23-0 lead early in the second half, so the final tally doesn’t represent how great he played against a great defense.

More must-reads:

• Chargers Surprising Depth: Injury Stricken Unit Shines in Victory
• Multiple Injuries To Starters Define Chargers Vs. Broncos Early On In 1st Half
• Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh Briefly Exits Against Broncos