The 2025 NFL season has been filled with challenges for Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who is currently experiencing the highest interception total of his NFL career – a number that could still rise in the final weeks of the regular season.
Herbert has thrown 12 interceptions so far, the most he has recorded in a single season, surpassing the 10 he threw in both 2020 and 2022. By contrast, in 2024 he was intercepted only three times, a performance that appeared to reflect a significant step forward in his development.
The issue has become more evident in recent weeks, as Herbert has thrown interceptions against the Las Vegas Raiders (Week 13), the Philadelphia Eagles (Week 14), and the Kansas City Chiefs. Fortunately for Los Angeles, the Chargers won all three games. However, they cannot expect the same outcome over the final three weeks of the season, especially as the pressure continues to build.
In Week 16, the Chargers will face the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas is nearly eliminated from playoff contention and must capitalize on any mistakes by Los Angeles to keep its slim postseason hopes alive. In Week 18, the Chargers will take on the Denver Broncos, the current leaders of the AFC West.
Harbaugh wants Herbert to follow Tiger Woods’ example
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has not lost confidence in Herbert, despite the interception numbers working against him.
The season has been a roller coaster for the quarterback, who had to recover from surgery to stabilize a fracture in his right hand. Despite the punishment he has taken from opposing defenses in recent games, the hand has shown only minor swelling.
Harbaugh said on Wednesday that it is important for his quarterback to understand there will be moments when circumstances are not in his favor. It is during those moments, he explained, that Herbert should draw lessons from athletes who defined an era – such as legendary golfer Tiger Woods.
As the head coach mimicked a golf swing, he delivered a clear message to Justin Herbert. “Keep attacking. Keep letting it rip,” Harbaugh said, using a golf analogy. “If you were Tiger Woods and you hit one in the water, take another one out of your pocket, put it on the ground, and let it rip.”
The Chargers expect Herbert to perform at his highest level down the stretch, especially against Dallas, where they could clinch a playoff berth. For that to happen, Los Angeles must defeat the Cowboys, and the Houston Texans must lose or tie against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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