Chargers News: Justin Herbert Comes Under Fire For Late Game Management Issues

Not the best start to 2023.

Even as his unit was pegged as an explosive one in the preseason, Kellen Moore's system, while effective, has struggled in one facet of the game that's become all too common for the Chargers in recent years. 

Still suffering from some late game execution woes, the issue reared it's ugly head once more last weekend, causing speculation about Justin Herbert's true skill level among the NFL's elite QBs.

The Chargers got inside the Titans’ 10-yard line but couldn’t score a touchdown. Herbert was sacked on a third-and-3 play at Tennessee’s 7-yard line, a loss of 8 yards. After a timeout with three seconds remaining in regulation, Cameron Dicker tied it at 24-24 with a 33-yard field goal with no time left. Equally mystifying was their inability to gain an inch on their one and only possession in overtime Sunday against the Titans. Three quick misfires from quarterback Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ offense was back on the sideline, watching the Titans drive for Nick Folk’s winning 41-yard field goal. So far this season, he has come up with two credible performances. Overall, he’s completed 50 of 74 passes for 534 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. It’s the incredible part that’s been missing.

via Elliot Teaford, OC Register

Shockingly going three and out in two straight games, the Chargers should arguably be 2-0 rather than winless, yet in a tale as old as time, LA hasn't figured out how to close games. 

How much Herbert is to blame is debatable when Brandon Staley's tenure with the team has led to mediocre results despite a dynamic and talented roster. 

While it's true that Herbert didn't help himself by failing to get even one positive chunk play this past weekend, Staley's days on the sidelines could be numbered should the team continue to sputter as a whole.  

Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Chargers!