How Does Justin Herbert Stack Up Against Los Angeles Chargers Legend Philip Rivers?

The Los Angeles Chargers have been fortunate to have three exceptional quarterbacks in Justin Herbert , Philip Rivers , and Drew Brees . Each quarterback has made significant contributions during their time with the team. This comparison will examine the statistics from their first four years as starters for the Chargers.

Justin Herbert (2020-2023)

Since being drafted in 2020, Justin Herbert has become one of the NFL’s most promising young quarterbacks. His performance over his first four seasons showcases his talent and potential.

• Games: 62
• Approximate Value (AV): 56
• Quarterback Record (QBrec): 30-32-0
• Completion Percentage (Cmp%): 66.6%
• Passing Yards: 17,223
• Passing Yards per Attempt (Pass Y/A): 7.1
• Passing Yards per Game (Pass Y/G): 277.8
• Passing Touchdowns (Pass TD): 114
• Interceptions (Int): 42
• Passer Rating (Rate): 95.7
• Rushing Attempts (Rush Att): 224
• Rushing Yards (Rush Yds): 911
• Rushing Yards per Attempt (Rush Y/A): 4.1
• Rushing Touchdowns (Rush TD): 11
• Fantasy Points (FantPt): 1226.1
• Pro Bowls: 1

Herbert’s impressive stats reflect his immediate impact and consistent performance, breaking several rookie records and continuing to excel in his subsequent seasons.

Philip Rivers (2006-2009)

Philip Rivers, known for his durability and consistency, took over as the starting quarterback in 2006. His first four years set the foundation for a long and successful career with the Chargers.

• Games: 64
• Approximate Value (AV): 67
• Quarterback Record (QBrec): 46-18-0
• Completion Percentage (Cmp%): 63.2%
• Passing Yards: 14,803
• Passing Yards per Attempt (Pass Y/A): 7.9
• Passing Yards per Game (Pass Y/G): 231.3
• Passing Touchdowns (Pass TD): 105
• Interceptions (Int): 44
• Passer Rating (Rate): 96.3
• Rushing Attempts (Rush Att): 134
• Rushing Yards (Rush Yds): 216
• Rushing Yards per Attempt (Rush Y/A): 1.6
• Rushing Touchdowns (Rush TD): 2
• Fantasy Points (FantPt): 933.8
• Pro Bowls: 2

Rivers’ early career with the Chargers was marked by his leadership and ability to lead the team to victories, reflected in his impressive win-loss record and passing efficiency.

Related: 5 Predictions For Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Season

Drew Brees (2002-2005)

Drew Brees played for the Chargers from 2001 to 2005, showing flashes of brilliance that would define his later Hall of Fame career with the New Orleans Saints.

• Games: 59
• Approximate Value (AV): 49
• Quarterback Record (QBrec): 30-28-0
• Completion Percentage (Cmp%): 62.2%
• Passing Yards: 12,348
• Passing Yards per Attempt (Pass Y/A): 6.8
• Passing Yards per Game (Pass Y/G): 209.3
• Passing Touchdowns (Pass TD): 80
• Interceptions (Int): 53
• Passer Rating (Rate): 84.9
• Rushing Attempts (Rush Att): 135
• Rushing Yards (Rush Yds): 366
• Rushing Yards per Attempt (Rush Y/A): 2.7
• Rushing Touchdowns (Rush TD): 4
• Fantasy Points (FantPt): 764.4
• Pro Bowls: 1

Brees’ tenure with the Chargers was critical in his development, setting the stage for his future success and dominance in the NFL.

Comparative Analysis

Passing Efficiency:

• Completion Percentage: Herbert leads with 66.6%, followed by Rivers at 63.2%, and Brees at 62.2%.
• Passer Rating: Rivers has the highest passer rating at 96.3, with Herbert close behind at 95.7, and Brees at 84.9.

Passing Volume:

• Passing Yards: Herbert tops the chart with 17,223 yards, followed by Rivers with 14,803 yards, and Brees with 12,348 yards.
• Passing Touchdowns: Herbert leads with 114 touchdowns, Rivers has 105, and Brees has 80.

Rushing Contribution:

• Rushing Yards: Herbert is the most productive on the ground with 911 yards, significantly higher than Brees (366) and Rivers (216).
• Rushing Touchdowns: Herbert also leads in rushing touchdowns with 11, compared to Brees’ 4 and Rivers’ 2.

Game Impact:

• Approximate Value (AV): Rivers has the highest AV at 67, indicating his significant impact on games. Herbert follows with 56, and Brees with 49.
• Quarterback Record: Rivers has the best record (46-18-0), showing his ability to lead the team to victories early in his career. Herbert and Brees have 30-32-0 and 30-28-0 records, respectively.

Which Los Angeles Chargers QB Comes Out On Top After Their First 4 Seasons?

Each quarterback brought unique strengths to the Chargers during their early years. Justin Herbert’s explosive start and versatility, Philip Rivers’ consistency and leadership, and Drew Brees’ foundational years all contributed to their legacies. Herbert’s stats indicate a bright future, potentially surpassing his predecessors in impact and achievements with the Chargers.

More must-reads:

• How The Los Angeles Chargers Can Take Advantage Of CeeDee Lamb Contract Situation
• 5 Predictions For 2024 Los Angeles Chargers Season, Including Jim Harbaugh Win Total