Is Hebert an MVP candidate?
By: Jake Rajala
Justin Herbert had a Pro Bowl-like season in 2024. As of right now, he has several touchdowns and 1,063 passing yards. The most important part of his 2025 season has to be that he defeated Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. If he can sweep the Chiefs, his MVP odds should be sitting very pretty.
Herbert can stretch the field with his arm and he has sneaky speed, as well. He had 306 rushing yds last season. I like to call it “annoying speed”. You have to expect him to throw a plethora of passes, as they are “pocket passers’. However, there can be an open space to pick up the first down. Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers have annoying speed.
Herbert has a PFF grade of 78.6, which is admirable. His grade is 10th among QBs. This doesn’t mean he is the 10th best QB. PFF isn’t the holy grail.
I really believe it was wise for the Chargers to bring back Keenan Allen. He has three TDs this season already and 231 yds. This makes him on track to have 981 yds.
The LA Chargers also happen to have a defense that can help Herbert in big games. Their defense is fourth in PPG allowed. Khalil Mack and Derwin James are ballers.
I would like to see the Chargers have better pass protection. They rank 24th in sacks allowed. It seems like it’s been since the Phillip Rivers days that the OL has been horrid.
Herbert isn’t only highly gifted, but he plays the position that almost always wins MVP. This would be none other than QB. The last non QB to win MVP was Adrian Peterson in 2012.
If Herbert struggles to get 12 or more wins, but manages to lead the league in passing yds, he could be a prime candidate to win Offensive Player of The Year. Then again, wins are very important. Drew Brees threw 5k yards on five different instances, yet he couldn’t even win OPOY.
Herbert has a chance to go down as the best Chargers QB of all time after the next few seasons. He also should be thankful to have Jim Harbaugh, who has won a National Championship and an NFC Championship contest.
I would like to see the Chargers win their division and beat the Philadelphia Eagles. If Herbert plays slightly better than last season, but gets more success in the wins column, Herbert should get many MVP votes. It’s vital to remember that Herbert is only 27 years old. He has a long, bright career in front of him.
A fascinating question arises: has a Chargers player ever won MVP? The answer is yes. Ladainian Tomlinson won the award in 2006, and Dan Fouts won MVP in the 80s. LT defied expectations as a RB. Even with Drew Brees, LT found a way to be not only the best RB, but the best player in the league. Philip Rivers has led the league in passing touchdowns and passing yards, but that hasn’t been enough to bring home MVP honors.
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