Justin Herbert shines against the Chiefs, silencing critics with a commanding performance
Justin Herbert took center stage in the Los Angeles Chargers’ thrilling Week 1 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night, delivering a performance that silenced his detractors just days after ESPN analyst Ryan Clark’s pointed criticism. On “Get Up,” Clark suggested that Herbert, who was drafted sixth overall, might not even be among the top 10 quarterbacks, emphasizing his perceived shortcomings in high-pressure situations.
“For Justin Herbert, this dude that we crowned a top-10 quarterback, this person that his own coach says everybody else needs to raise their level of play in order to be in a position that he’s in… Justin Herbert, whenever it matters, has been terrible,” Clark stated, igniting a firestorm of debate.
The Chargers were clearly aware of Clark’s remarks, which added an extra layer of intensity to their performance. Following the game, wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who recorded six catches for 74 yards, addressed the critique. “There are people bashing him, talking about he can’t make plays in big games,” McConkey said. “Justin’s not somebody that’s going to go and say something to somebody. He’s going to let his play do the talking, and he did that.”
Herbert’s numbers were impressive: he completed 25 of 34 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns. Additionally, he showcased his mobility with seven carries for 32 yards, including a crucial scramble that effectively sealed the game in the fourth quarter.
As Herbert dissected the Chiefs’ defense, Clark took to social media, showering the quarterback with praise. However, he notably refrained from retracting his earlier comments. “Justin Herbert showed his whole entire azz tonight! Could not have played a better football game. They put it all on him and he delivered every single time!” Clark tweeted, reflecting a shift in his tone but leaving his initial critique unaddressed.
While it’s true that Herbert has faced challenges in the postseason, his track record includes 12 fourth-quarter comebacks and 16 game-winning drives, indicating he has a history of rising to the occasion. Friday night’s performance reaffirmed his status as a top-tier quarterback in the NFL, and if he continues to excel, he is likely to ascend even further in the rankings.
NFL Notes
In additional NFL news, Quinshon Judkins received an $11.4 million contract update from the Browns ahead of Week 1. Meanwhile, Steelers’ offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has cast doubt on Jaylen Warren’s workload. Cowboys fans are quickly realizing what Steelers fans already knew about George Pickens. An NFL insider has explained why Jalen Carter may avoid suspension for spitting, while Carter’s Week 1 ejection has made NFL history. Furthermore, Micah Parsons’ trade is already impacting the Cowboys in their matchup against the Eagles, and Jerry Jones played a pivotal role in preventing Sean Payton from becoming the Raiders’ head coach.
