The offensive explosion in Dallas was thanks in large part to the stellar performance by Herbert, who keeps stacking up major performances in December.
He completed 23 of 29 passes (79.3 percent) for 300 yards and a pair of scores while posting a passer rating of 132.8 as the offense converted 24 first downs in the game.
His performance earned an ‘A grade’ from Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, becoming one of only five quarterbacks to earn the mark in Week 16.
Justin Herbert pieced together an outstanding performance against the Dallas Cowboys in what turned out to be decisive victory. Herbert affected the game as a passer and runner. More importantly, he thrived in two particular areas.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Herbert provided the second-most efficient outing by any quarterback this season when he posted a plus-23.9 EPA during his 33 dropbacks.
More importantly, the injuries and constant shuffling along the Chargers’ offensive line isn’t affecting Herbert nearly as much as it should. The quarterback completed nine of 11 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown when pressured by Dallas. He wasn’t sacked, either.
Having now won seven of their last eight and on the brink of a playoff berth, the Chargers’ last month has turned a lot of heads for what the team could do going forward.
The Athletic’s Mike Jones is one of them, as he believes the Bolts have been overlooked and should be in the conversation heading into the postseason.
The Chargers have wins against the Broncos, Steelers and Eagles — all in the current playoff picture — and they delivered the knockout punch to the Kansas City Chiefs. And so, they have my attention. They definitely belong in the conversation.