Most dominant elements of the 2022/23 NFL playoffs: What to look out for in the postseason

Playoff elements - Cover photo
Playoff elements - Cover photo

#9. Justin Herbert’s heroics in got-to-have-it moments

NFL Regular Season - Tennessee Titans v Los Angeles Chargers
NFL Regular Season - Tennessee Titans v Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert has been a prominent topic across sports media, with some people calling him a “social media quarterback.” His winning percentage has also been called into question. Over the past six weeks, he has silenced a lot of the critics by securing a spot in the NFL postseason. The Los Angeles Chargers have a 5-1 record across that stretch, with several big-time throws directly affecting the outcome of those contests.

That’s often times where these talking heads on TV simplify the game way too much and purely consider the results. Similar to the Patrick Mahomes conversation at the top, a lot of people have had to eat their words since Herbert stepped onto an NFL field. Mainly with how much better he’s been in terms of ability to process the game, in combination with his raw physical abilities.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

The numbers and the tape over his first three seasons have both been stunning (outside of a six-game stretch this season where he was missing several key components around him, as far receivers and offensive line are concerned). He’s shined the brightest in the biggest moments of his young career.

NFL Regular Season - Los Angeles Rams v Los Angeles Chargers
NFL Regular Season - Los Angeles Rams v Los Angeles Chargers

Look at so many of the advanced metrics and what they’re doing under offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. The Chargers attack and how they restrict their quarterback has been very frustrating to watch at times. Not having any proven vertical threats among that group of targets and missing All-Pro level players at left tackle and center for extended stretches have certainly contributed.

However, I refuse to believe there should be a world in which LA’s trigger-man should be tied for 31st among qualified passers in intended (6.4) and completed air yards per attempt (4.7) respectively. Thankfully, with the return of Corey Linsley at center (to make them more sound at picking up pressures accordingly), Keenan Allen as a consistent chain-mover and Mike Williams being a true weapon, we’ve seen this offense get the job done when needed most.

Particularly on those key downs, they’ve been able to move the chains consistently with Herbert’s pin-point accuracy and better precision. Over the past four weeks, they’ve gone a combined 33-of-67 on third and fourth downs (49.3%).

Herbert has been a gamer for his entire career with the Chargers. He has registered a total of 13 game-winning drives across 48 career starts. Where I get back to the idea of football being a team sport are the moments where his defense and receivers have let him down.

The Chargers have dropped the third-most passes NFL-wide as a unit. Thinking all the way back to Week 2, Gerald Everett ran a sloppy route, when he was gassed at the end of a drive, which led to a 99-yard pick-six the other way. This was in a game in which Herbert got his ribs cracked and still threw an absolute missile down the seams to set up a passing TD with a few seconds left. He even set up the opportunity for an onside kick.

Meanwhile, the defense allowed an average of 25.5 points per game through their first twelve games. The Chiefs seemingly effortlessly strolled down the field for a game-winning touchdown with less than two minutes left (after Herbert had just put them up by four). Their corners were smoked by Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams, forcing Herbert to make crazy off-schedule throws on fourth downs to climb back into that game. So his efforts have been minimized to some degree, because the other side couldn’t do their part.

At no point was that more apparent than in the regular season finale last year at Las Vegas. Herbert converted a third-and-ten and three fourth-and-ten’s with bonkers throws to send his team into overtime, only to see Josh Jacobs slice through the defense. This set up a field goal that eliminated the Chargers from the playoffs.

I believe Brandon Staley and Herbert can do anything in a knockout set-up. With some of the things they’ve shown on huge downs, they can shine in the NFL playoffs.

Philadelphia Eagles Fans! Check out the latest Eagles Schedule and dive into the Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Quick Links

Edited by John Maxwell
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications