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Quarterback Justin Herbert celebrates in the second half during the Chargers’ blowout win over the Patriots that clinched L.A. a playoff spot. (Robert F. Bukaty / Associated Press)
Late in the fourth quarter, with almost all the Chargers’ starters standing on the sideline waiting out a 40-7 rout over the New England Patriots, Derwin James Jr. leaned in close to Justin Herbert. The safety had watched the way the Chargers’ star quarterback stayed late at the practice facility. How he watched film immediately after getting off the team plane after road games. How he gritted his teeth through injuries to hobble around on sprained ankles this season.
James wanted to make sure Herbert knew it was all appreciated.
“I wouldn’t rather have no other quarterback,” the two-time first-team All-Pro safety said.
Herbert played what coach Jim Harbaugh called a “near flawless” game to help the Chargers clinch their first playoff berth since 2022, blowing out the hapless Patriots (3-13) at Gillette Stadium on Saturday.
Herbert completed 26 of 38 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns as the Chargers (10-6) put up a season-high in points. Even while watching the end of the game from the sideline after leaving with a 30-point lead and 10:54 remaining, Herbert was still among the first players onto the field to high-five and encourage teammates after each drive.
Read more: Jim Harbaugh’s playoff-bound Chargers continue evolution by routing nemesis Patriots
“I can’t think of one play or one throw or one check or one ball placed where it shouldn’t have been,” Harbaugh said. “Just an incredible performance by an incredible player.”
It felt like business as usual for Herbert.
A first-quarter highlight reel catch from receiver Derius Davis — who laid out in a full Superman position to reel in his second touchdown in as many games — elicited calm high-fives from Herbert.
When he laced a ball through four defenders to Ladd McConkey for a six-yard touchdown in the second…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-herbert-ignites-chargers-rout-235516070.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-12-28 23:55:00
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