Justin Herbert's "Clutch Gene" Examined as Chargers Seek Playoff Success

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has been a standout performer in the regular season, but his lack of playoff success has raised questions about his "clutch factor." Former teammate Chris Harris Jr. believes Herbert has the potential but needs an experienced coach to guide him.

No one doubts the talent of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. In four NFL seasons, he has thrown for over 4,300 yards in three of those four seasons, with 114 touchdowns and 42 interceptions. He has also earned a Pro Bowl selection and won Offensive Rookie of the Year.

However, there is one area where Herbert has fallen short: playoff success. He has only made one appearance in the playoffs, a disappointing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wild-card round two seasons ago.

This lack of postseason success has raised questions about Herbert's ability to perform under pressure, or his "clutch factor." Former Chargers safety Chris Harris Jr. believes Herbert has the potential to be a clutch performer but needs an experienced coach to unlock that potential.

"He’s (missing) that clutch factor," Harris said of Herbert. "It’s that fourth-quarter dominance that you can see from a [Tom] Brady, that you see from [Patrick] Mahomes or Big Ben [Roethlisberger]. When I played against those guys, if the game was a touchdown or three points, I was nervous."

Harris played with Herbert for his first two seasons in the league and observed his rollercoaster performance, including a 15-17 record as a starter. Despite Herbert's impressive 2021 season, where he threw for 5,014 yards, 38 touchdowns, and a 65.9 completion rate, the Chargers missed the playoffs.

Herbert has shown glimpses of a "clutch gene" in his career, with 11 fourth-quarter comebacks and 14 game-winning drives. But Harris believes new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has a reputation as a quarterback whisperer, can help Herbert reach new heights.

"I think he does have it, but it’s going to take an experienced coach to bring that out of him," Harris explained. "That’s why I think Harbaugh is going to be a great fit for him."

Of course, football is a team sport, and the Chargers' lack of playoff success cannot be solely attributed to Herbert. The offense has often put up impressive numbers, but the defense has struggled at times.

Herbert will also have to navigate a new-look offense in his fifth season, with the departure of top targets Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, as well as running back Austin Ekeler. These roster losses and a new offense could add pressure to Herbert to perform.

Former Chargers running back Ekeler believes that surrounding Herbert with a strong supporting cast can help him succeed at the highest level.

"It used to be all on Justin, and he probably felt the burden of that every week," Harris admitted. "Having that protection up front. Having a run game. Having a solid defense. … Those are the little factors that I think will help him get to that next level."

Whether Herbert can reach that next level and lead the Chargers to playoff success remains to be seen. But with the addition of Harbaugh and a more balanced team, the 2023 season presents him with an opportunity to prove his worth in the clutch.