Justin Herbert Receives Harsh Criticism Ahead Of Broncos Game

If there is one thing Los Angeles Chargers fans want to hear right now it is criticism of Justin Herbert. But that is what The Athletics senior writer Vic Tafur did in his most recent prediction article.

Is The Criticism Of Justin Herbert Fair Or Foul?

Tafur’s tongue-in-cheek criticism points out that many factors have contributed to Herbert’s rough start to the season. Injuries, to himself and to his team have to be taken into consideration. Herbert has been hampered the last two weeks with an ankle injury and started the year with pain in his plantar fascia. He was also without two offensive tackles in their Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Both Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater returned to practice but in limited capacities.

The wide receiver corp has also been a factor. No one in the group has emerged as a true game-breaker. Most are young and/or inexperienced. Chargers receivers are 23rd in separation, 28th in contested catch rate, and dead last in FTN’s Created Catches statistic. Even when they are able to get the ball in their hands, they haven’t done much. They are 22nd in yards after the catch.

Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, it was very clear through various offseason decisions that wide receiver was not a priority. They opted to keep edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, over WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. They drafted Joe Alt over Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze.

And their playcalling also reflects this ethos. Of the four games, Justin Herbert has played with Greg Roman calling plays all four fall in his top 10 fewest passing attempts of his career. But when he decides to throw the ball Roman is not less aggressive than Herbert’s past coordinators. In fact, Herbert’s deep shot percentage is the highest of his career.

More must-reads:

• Los Angeles Chargers: Troubling Injury News On Star Defender
• Justin Herbert Addresses Chargers’ Offensive Struggles
• Los Angeles Chargers: 5 Keys to Victory Against the Broncos