NFL News Jim Harbaugh on Chargers QB’s three-TD night: ‘Just another stellar performance by Justin Herbert’
The first of these negative moves may have been the game’s most decisive turning point.
On their opening drive, Herbert and LA faced second-and-13 at their own 14-yard line when he threw a low ball that was intercepted by Josh Metellus. However, Metellus’ pick was overturned, and replays showed the ball hit the ground, but he didn’t make the catch.
So, instead of Herbert going to the sideline, he immediately passed the ball to Keenan Allen for 17 yards on third-and-13. Herbert then led his players on a 14-play, 83-yard drive, culminating in a shot over the middle to emerging freshman tight end Oronde Gadsden II, who darted between two Vikings defenders for a 9-yard touchdown.
Minnesota’s defense sacked Herbert twice and hit him eight times, giving him the most hits in the NFL with 70. Herbert held his own against Brian Flores’ aggressive defense, completing 13 of 15 passes for 162 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Herbert threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to top target Ladd McConkey with just 45 seconds left in the first half, and in the fourth half, hit rookie Trey Harris for the young player’s first NFL score.
“I watch these tapes over and over, and it’s very rare for him not to see them, not to read them, not to know the correct coverage and where to take the ball,” Harbaugh said. “When everything was covered, he did a great job tonight by running and using his athleticism to get the first down. Another great performance from Justin Herbert.”
The Harris touchdown effectively demonstrated Herbert’s determination, as an interception and subsequent Vikings score cut the deficit to 24-10. If there were any misgivings about the Vikings’ impressive comeback, Herbert dispelled them with his response.
That was the topic of discussion on Thursday: Herbert and the Chargers’ comeback potential.
After starting the season 3-0, the talk of the NFL, the Chargers’ record dropped to 4-3 after a crushing loss to the Colts on Sunday.
However, the Bolts staged a remarkable comeback on Thursday, with Herbert leading the charge.