Story by
Justin Herbert ranks high among NFL QBs who need Super Bowl win
- Story by
- Justin Herbert ranks high among NFL QBs who need Super Bowl win
In three career playoff games with the Los Angeles Chargers , Justin Herbert 's numbers are underwhelming, as he's completed just 54.7% of his passes for 674 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. Unsurprisingly, he's gone 0-3 in those games, failing to make it out of the Wild Card round.
For Herbert, who was the Rookie of the Year in 2020, a two-time Pro Bowler and a consensus top quarterback in the NFL, playoff success is the only thing lacking on the former Oregon Ducks ' resume.
Advertisement
The Chargers enter the 2026 season with high expectations, as both the offense and defense are healthy after a rash of injuries struck the team last season. With head coach Jim Harbaugh once again at the helm, anything short of a playoff victory would be a disappointment. But for Herbert, there's more on the table that could cement his status as not only one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but in the modern NFL: a Super Bowl victory.
CBS Sports released a list of the 15 quarterbacks in the NFL who most need a Super Bowl win to strengthen their legacy, with Herbert landing at No. 5. The only passers above the former Ducks star were Lamar Jackson , Josh Allen , Joe Burrow and Dak Prescott — all Pro Bowl-caliber players who have shown the ability, much like Herbert, to lead a team to success.
"Barring injuries, Herbert appears to be on track towards Hall of Fame induction," CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo wrote. "His list of career accomplishments so far includes an historic rookie season (he set rookie records with 31 touchdown passes and 396 completions), being the fastest player to reach 10,000 and 12,000 career passing yards and scoring the most total touchdowns (102) during the first three seasons of a career.
"Ironically, Herbert is following in the footsteps of former Chargers quarterbacks Dan Fouts and Philip Rivers . Both quarterbacks enjoyed prolific careers but were at times overlooked during their primes because of their inability to get to and ultimately win a Super Bowl. Herbert -- who didn't win a playoff game during his first six NFL seasons -- is undoubtedly looking to avoid the same fate."
Advertisement
Already considered alongside Fouts and Rivers as the greatest quarterbacks in Chargers history, there remains the blank slate of playoff victories for Herbert. But with a strong supporting cast beside him, 2026 very well could be the year for Los Angeles and Herbert to make it to the big game and win it.
Otherwise, the chatter around Herbert's lack of playoff success will heighten even more.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinion s.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Former Duck Justin Herbert needs Super Bowl win to cement legacy
