Justin Herbert has endured a challenging 2025 NFL season. Jim Harbaugh’s second season with the LA Chargers has been better in terms of results (11-4 at the time of writing), but the punishment Herbert has received has raised eyebrows around the league. Herbert was sacked 49 times before the Week 17 duel against the Houston Texans.
With 3:37 left in the fourth quarter, the Texans had sacked him five times. Former Chargers defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko reacted to all the punishment Herbert received again, comparing him to Matthew Stafford.
“Justin Herbert will be the next Mathew Stafford. It’s hard to stomach Charger fans but he’s on that path right now,” Fehoko wrote.
Justin Herbert will be the next Mathew Stafford. It’s hard to stomach Charger fans but he’s on that path right now.
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It is unclear if he meant that Herbert would finish his career on a strong note, as Stafford with the LA Rams, or if he will continue to get punished behind a deficient offensive line for many years until he gets traded to a different team.
The former No. 6 overall pick has been sacked 220 times during his six-year NFL career. The Chargers have made moves to protect him, such as drafting OT Joe Alt. However, they still have work to do to make sure Herbert gets taken care of.
Justin Herbert’s Chargers lost to Texans after controversial late-game call from refs
The LA Chargers had a chance of winning the game in the final minutes until the referees killed their hopes. With 2:32 left in the fourth quarter, on third-and-9, the defense sacked C.J. Stroud at the Texans’ 37-yard line for a 9-yard loss.
The Chargers would have gotten the ball back for a potential game-winning drive until the referees called an illegal contact. Tarheeb Still was called at the Texans’ 46-yard line, which extended Houston’s drive.
Stroud kneeled twice to seal the deal and give his team its 11th win of the season. Justin Herbert finished 21 of 32 for 236 yards and one touchdown with one interception. He added six carries for 37 yards. Omarion Hampton scored a touchdown and recorded 29 yards on 14 carries.
On the other hand, Stroud went 16 of 28 for 244 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Woody Marks led the running backs with 19 carries and 71 yards.
The Texans will enter Week 18 with chances to win the AFC South, while the Chargers will try to beat the Broncos to enter the postseason on a strong note.