Harbaugh recently shared bold praise for Herbert during a conversation with NFL legend Michael Irvin as part of Netflix’s NFL coverage. He expressed a high-level projection that is sure to spark conversation across the league. “Justin Herbert, when it’s all said and done, when his career comes to an end, I predict he will be known as the greatest, best ever to play the position of quarterback,” Harbaugh said. Irvin noted the remark was audacious, and Harbaugh doubled down, calling it simply him “calling his shot.”
The Chargers’ head coach highlighted the connection between Herbert and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, expressing optimism that McDaniel will unlock Herbert’s full potential and help the bold prediction come to fruition.
Herbert has already earned two Pro Bowl selections and surpassed 5,000 passing yards in a season. Yet postseason struggles have lingered. In the most recent playoff outing, a 16-3 loss in the Wild Card Round to the New England Patriots, Herbert completed 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards with no touchdowns and was sacked six times as New England controlled the game. The following season ended with a 32-12 defeat to the Houston Texans, a game in which Herbert threw four interceptions. The 2022 campaign concluded with a dramatic comeback by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The addition of McDaniel brings another experienced offensive mind to the Chargers’ scheme, and that pairing may be a factor in Harbaugh’s emphatic remarks. Herbert has proven to be a standout regular-season quarterback and a strong fantasy option, and Chargers fans are hopeful that the team can translate regular-season excellence into sustained postseason success in the years ahead.
