The Los Angeles Chargers are cruising through the 2025 season with a perfect 3-0 record, and Justin Herbert has been nothing short of spectacular.
On Sunday, he led the team to another big win, this time over the Denver Broncos, showing the kind of leadership and play-making that the Chargers desperately needed. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Herbert has looked sharper, faster, and more in control than ever.
He’s been decisive, mobile, and careful with the football; he didn’t throw a single interception in the first two games, and his chemistry with his teammates in both passing and play-action has been impressive. Add a stronger running game, and the Chargers look balanced and dangerous.
How Did Justin Herbert’s Clutch Performance Make Emmanuel Acho Change His Mind?
Even Herbert’s harshest critics have taken notice.
Emmanuel Acho, the former Eagles linebacker, once called Herbert a “social media quarterback”, all highlights, not enough substance in big moments. But after Herbert’s dominant performances so far, Acho took to X and gave credit.
“What the hell did I watch Justin Herbert do… I’mma give credit when and where it’s due and Herbert this season looks different.”
Justin Herbert…. How???
The dude always had “talent,” cool. But this year he’s been CLUTCH. Wow wow wow. pic.twitter.com/lHdgxsK0Ie
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 21, 2025
Acho’s criticism wasn’t small. He once said Herbert might be the most overrated quarterback in NFL history, pointing to several painful playoff moments: a 2021 loss to the Raiders that kept the Chargers out of the playoffs, blowing a 27-0 lead against Jacksonville in 2022, and the heartbreaking playoff loss to the Texans, where Herbert threw four interceptions and finished with a passer rating of just 40.9.
Also, add why Acho went as far as to say that the viral highlights plastered across TikTok and Instagram made Herbert look better than he really was, hence the “social media” comment.
To Acho, the spectacular throws were impossible to miss online, but the costly interceptions and mistakes in clutch moments never got the same spotlight. In his mind, the hype around Herbert was more of a glossy, filtered version that ignored the flaws that showed up when everything was on the line.
Herbert’s Performance This Season Is Changing the Narrative
This season, though, Herbert seems determined to rewrite that narrative. He’s healthy, confident, and thriving in a system that plays to his strengths. Every throw looks sharper, every decision faster, and his leadership on the field is undeniable.
The Chargers’ perfect start isn’t just luck; it’s Herbert taking control and carrying his team.
In the three games this season, Herbert has thrown for 860 yards, throwing for six touchdowns and only one interception. You add on the clutch in today’s game, finding Keenan Allen in the final minutes to tie the score and Ladd McConkey to set up the game-winning field goal, and all of a sudden, the “social media” QB is gone.
For Acho, and perhaps many others, it’s a wake-up call. The quarterback he doubted is no longer just a highlight-reel player; he’s the leader who can win challenging games and lift a team.
With the Chargers 3-0 and Herbert playing at an MVP-caliber level, it’s clear that everything rides on him this season, and he’s more than ready for the challenge.
