Try GOLD - Free
TIME TO SLING IT ON
Los Angeles Times
|September 03, 2025
Only winning can change the perception of Herbert not belonging in the top tier
THE CHARGERS' quarterback Justin Herbert hopes to join the ranks of elite quarterbacks while the Rams' Matthew Stafford vies for another Super Bowl trip.
Jim Harbaugh has already called him one of the greatest players to ever play his position.
The perception nationally of Justin Herbert isn’t as charitable. The consensus is that Herbert doesn’t belong in the top tier of NFL quarterbacks alongside the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen or Joe Burrow.
If anything, Herbert might be viewed as being closer to Jared Goff or Brock Purdy than Mahomes or Jackson.
As overwhelming as his athletic gifts are, as many jaw-dropping passes as he’s completed, Herbert still hasn't won a playoff game for the Chargers.
His coach has greater ambitions than a solitary postseason victory for him, however.
"The Super Bowl," Harbaugh said. "That's what we're going for, the Super Bowl. That's our goal. We're going to do it or die trying."
From the outside, such a leap feels entirely possible.
The Chargers were 11-6 and qualified for the playoffs last year in Harbaugh’s first season as their coach. The last time he coached in the NFL, with the San Francisco 49ers, he reached the Super Bowl in Year 2.
Harbaugh has won at each of his previous coaching stops, inspiring confidence around the Chargers that it’s amatter of time until he replicates those results with them.
This story is from the September 03, 2025 edition of Los Angeles Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
Unhappy with the choices for governor? Get real
California has tried all manner of design in choosing its governor.
4 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
In Caracas, fear and uncertainty
Celebrations by some Venezuelans abroad were not repeated in a defiant capital city.
4 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
LAPD investigating New Year’s Eve shooting
Hamilton said it was “too early to tell” if that was the case.
2 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
A mission to keep Hollywood magic alive
AFTER PURCHASING HENSON STUDIOS IN 2024, JOHN MAYER AND McG ARE READY TO MAKE NEW MEMORIES IN THE ICONIC RECORDING COMPLEX
9 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
They fail to see big jump under Riley after loss to Horned Frogs
It’s very obvious to this USC diehard fan, Lincoln Riley is not delivering on his commitment to restore Trojans football to national prominence as head coach.
1 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
China’s economy not resonating with everybody
By some measures, China’s economy is looking resilient, with strong exports and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
5 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
The ER visit that would test our vows
WHAT AN UNEXPECTED DIAGNOSIS IS TEACHING ME ABOUT LOVE
4 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Senate leader pushes for reform, braces for Trump
Monique Limón says raids along the Central Coast can't be allowed to become routine as she calls on Washington for immigration pathway
6 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
SHOUT-OUTS TO WOMEN WHO ARE 'SIMPLY MORE'
CYNTHIA ERIVO’S MEMOIR AND A LOOK AT SYLVIA PLATH AND TAYLOR SWIFT SHOW NO FEAR.
5 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Trial to start for police officer in Texas school shooting
Adrian Gonzales is accused of ignoring training in Uvalde with deadly results.
5 mins
January 04, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size