The Los Angeles Chargers have been trying to take the next step, and quarterback Justin Herbert is still an excellent signal-caller as he enters his sixth season in the league. After a terrible playoff game to end the season, where his stats included four interceptions, there is a sense of wanting more out of the one-time Pro Bowler.
Last season, he completed 332 of his 504 (65.9%) passes for 3,870 yards with 23 passing touchdowns to three interceptions as new coach Jim Harbaugh shifted to a run-heavy offense with the Chargers. Herbert is expected to continue to grow in Harbaugh’s offense and continue to be one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
After breaking out as a rookie, he has been a reliable producer and continues to get better, even if his numbers do not always reflect it. And because of how put-together he seems, his general manager has a surprising opinion.
Joe Hortiz Speaks About Justin Herbert’s Abilities
Joe Hortiz is entering his second season as the general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers, and the team is looking to be a threat. While he was not part of the regime that selected Herbert, he has seen the quarterback continue to develop into a star. While appearing on a recent episode of “The Pat McAfee Show,” Hortiz spoke about his quarterback and said:
“As a guy, when I look at Justin, I’ll be honest with you, I hate Justin because he’s got everything beautiful.” Hortiz then went on to explain how everything Herbert does seems to be incredible.
“He’s got pinpoint accuracy, he’s athletic as can be, he never looks out of breath, you know, throw the ball through the wall,” the Chargers GM said. “He’s smart. Like you know, I hate him. It’s just the whole not all men are created equal. You know, all men are created equal, I say on the inside. Not on the outside. He’s gifted and so brilliant and such a great dude.”
Outside of Herbert, the Chargers have made some additions to make the offense even better after they finished 17th in the league with a 74.6 Offense+ grade in the 2024 regular season.
The team drafted running back Omarion Hampton as well as wide receivers Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the 2025 NFL Draft while also signing free agents like wide receiver Mike Williams, running back Najee Harris, tight end Tyler Conklin, and right guard Mekhi Becton.
It is clear the Chargers have a vision to build around Herbert, and they are certainly implementing that plan. With the talent in the AFC right now, especially at the quarterback position, making the playoffs could be difficult, but Hortiz has put the team in a good position to be successful.