Herbert confident Chargers' Late-Game execution will improve after 0-2 Start

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert believes the team can overcome their poor starts and ineffective finishes after an 0-2 start to the season. Despite back-to-back losses in which he had the opportunity to lead a game-winning drive, Herbert remains confident in his abilities and the team's potential to improve.

Justin Herbert, the Los Angeles Chargers' star quarterback, had the opportunity to lead his team to a game-winning drive in the closing minutes against the Tennessee Titans last Sunday, just as he did the previous week against the Miami Dolphins. However, in both instances, Herbert and the Chargers fell short, resulting in two consecutive losses.

Nevertheless, Herbert expressed his unwavering confidence in himself, the offense, and the team's ability to rectify their recent struggles. He emphasized the importance of not panicking and the need for the offense to score more points.

"Things haven't gone our way the past couple games, but panicking is never going to fix anything, so it's up to us to be able to fix that as an offense, score more points," Herbert stated. As the Chargers prepare for a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, both teams entering the game with an 0-2 record, Herbert's performance in the fourth quarter has been statistically impressive. He has completed 16 of 23 passes for 162 yards in the final 15 minutes of games this season, orchestrating seven drives that resulted in two touchdowns and two field goals.

However, the lingering memory for many fans and pundits is the turnover on downs with an intentional grounding penalty and two sacks in the loss to the Miami Dolphins or the quick three-and-out with three consecutive incomplete passes in the overtime defeat to the Titans. Herbert acknowledges that he must perform better in these critical moments.

"You got to be better on those three plays, so got to try and complete the ball, and that's on me as a quarterback to be able to get completions," he admitted. Chargers coach Brandon Staley does not attribute the losses solely to late-game execution, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on opportunities throughout the game.

Staley noted that there were critical moments in both games that had an impact on the outcomes. The Dolphins outscored the Chargers 10-3 in the final two minutes of the first half in the season opener, while the Titans capitalized on a field goal at the end of the second quarter and a 75-yard touchdown drive to start the third quarter in the following game.

Additionally, the Chargers' performance was marred by key penalties, including unnecessary roughness and roughing the passer calls on third down. Staley stressed the significance of these crucial moments in a game and the need for improvement.

With a history of underachievement in critical moments, both historically for the organization and specifically during the Staley-Herbert era, the Chargers are eager to shed the label of underachievers by delivering strong performances in critical situations.

Staley emphasized the necessity of executing at a higher level to accomplish their goals, particularly at the end of games. The Chargers are determined to improve their late-game execution and overall performance to secure victories in the future.

SportsLigue