LA Chargers' Jim Harbaugh Says Money Didn't Change Justin Herbert

Former Oregon Duck and current Los Angeles Chargers starting quarterback Justin Herbert is leading the NFL with only one interception in eight starts. His one turnover through the air is the least of all NFL quarterbacks starting every game.
Nov 3, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) talks to head coach Jim Harbaugh during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field.
Nov 3, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) talks to head coach Jim Harbaugh during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Former Oregon Ducks and current Los Angeles Chargers starting quarterback Justin Herbert is leading the NFL with only one interception in eight starts. His single turnover through the air is good for the least of all NFL quarterbacks starting every game.

Herbert and the Chargers are 5-3, and they only trail the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. In eight games, Herbert has thrown for 1725 yards, 10 touchdowns, and the one interception.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) talks to head coach Jim Harbaugh against the Cleveland Brown
Nov 3, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) talks to head coach Jim Harbaugh during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Despite entering the season without a clear-cut No. 1 receiving target, Herbert is having success with his new coach in Los Angeles, Jim Harbaugh. Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey leads the Chargers with 35 receptions and 440 receiving yards.

Harbaugh brought a run-first mentality to the Chargers, but Herbert is still having one of the better seasons of his career. The former Oregon Duck dealt with an ankle injury in the early part of the season, but he has impressed since returning.

On Monday, Colin Cowherd interviewed Harbaugh, and the Los Angeles coach could not stop talking about his quarterback's toughness.

"I've always considered myself the toughest quarterback in the history of the National Football League. Being around Justin Herbert, I have moved to number two in the rankings. . . . He's so big, and he's so tough to get on the ground," Harbaugh said to Cowherd.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd (93)
Oct 27, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd (93) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

"We've all heard of people that make a lot of money, and money makes people complacent. Not Justin Herbert," continued Harbaugh. "He was right back in [the facility]. I know where to find him 6:30, 7:30 in the morning on an off day. He's down there in the wait room or getting extra film work."

After a slow start, Los Angeles is looking like one of the better teams in the AFC, and the Chargers' defense leads the entire NFL in points allowed per game. As Harbaugh and Herbert are finding success, two of their next three games will be on primetime television.

The Chargers host the Cincinnatti Bengals on Sunday Night Football on Nov. 17, and the Baltimore Ravens will travel to Los Angeles for Monday Night Football on Nov. 25.

First, Herbert and his team will look to win their third game in the row against the Tennesse Titans on Sunday, Nov. 10.

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Charlie Viehl
CHARLIE VIEHL

Charlie Viehl is a 23-year old Boston College graduate and is an Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans beat reporter for On SI. A native of Pasadena, California, he covered sports across Los Angeles while at Loyola High School and edited the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program’s magazine at BC. While pursuing a career in sports journalism, he is also a lifelong musician. He is excited to bring his passion for storytelling and sports to fans of college athletics.