Quarterback Justin Herbert has emerged this year like a man on a mission. In three games, the Los Angeles Chargers remain unbeaten, their offense revamped, and the league is noticing. So, what’s different? Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, known for his traditional, tough, power-focused approach, the Chargers have surprisingly embraced a more aggressive downfield passing attack. The shift represents a significant departure from Harbaugh’s typical ground-heavy philosophy, adapting his system to maximize Herbert’s arm talent. The change is for everyone to see, and the credit goes to offensive coordinator Greg Roman, too.

​Not even opposing coaches can help but marvel, as reported by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. “Who is this guy? This is not the Greg Roman we know!” one NFL head coach exclaimed while reviewing the league’s top-scoring offenses. “The approach is not the same on offense.” Herbert, too, appears to be another player. Chargers with Harbaugh have unleashed an honest-to-goodness air attack.

Los Angeles has dominated AFC West competition to open the season, defeating all three division rivals it’s faced. The perfect 3-0 start marks the first time in 23 years that the Chargers have opened with three consecutive victories.

The first ten games of the last season were predicated on running the ball, and Herbert hardly got to take the ball down the field at all. When they finally let him loose late in the season, the offense took off and went into the playoffs. This year, the turnaround has been impressive from the beginning. If Roman keeps going in this direction, the Chargers’ offense would be one of the NFL’s better-balanced units.

Herbert has repaid that trust in a dazzling first month. In the latest show, he was 25 for 34 for 300 yards and three scores with no picks and had 32 yards on seven rushes. He outgunned Patrick Mahomes, a standard performance that made him the third quarterback with 300-plus passing yards, three or more passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions in a game abroad, per NFL Research.

​Wide receiver Quentin Johnston gave veteran Allen some companionship in catching Herbert’s touchdown passes, demonstrating the depth of weaponry now available to him. It is amusing to observe how quickly this pair came together.

In their first season together in 2024, Harbaugh and Herbert put together an 11-win season, overnight changing the Chargers’ fortune. Sports Illustrated’s head coach-quarterback list every year ranked them fourth overall, with Harbaugh being No. 7 and Herbert No. 8 on separate lists. The Bolts were among only four teams with both their coach and quarterback on the list.

​That foundation of mutual trust and innovation is powering an error-free beginning in 2025. If this trend is allowed to continue, the Harbaugh-Herbert combination might redefine the Chargers’ franchise trajectory. Los Angeles experienced “almost there” seasons for years.

It now has a quarterback who plays at an MVP level and a head coach who will play and experiment with him equally, supported by the OC. And they even look at that track as they started their dream season 3-0 this year. And people across the league are noticing and applauding.

​Justin Herbert, rising high

​Justin’s 2025 performance is forcing experts to praise him. Such as after the Chargers victory over the Chiefs.

Albert Breer spoke, “It looks like Jim Harbaugh might be doing what he did with the University of San Diego, Stanford, the 49ers and Michigan — but coming out of this massive win over the nine-time defending AFC West champions, more specifically, this is about the guy Harbaugh’s been so openly smitten with since the minute he landed in Los Angeles 20 months ago.”

Herbert’s statistical line was modest – 28-of-47 for 300 yards, one touchdown, and one interception with a 76.6 passer rating that trailed Bo Nix’s 87.6. However, the numbers don’t capture the quarterback’s impact during crucial moments.

Herbert’s game-tying drive in the fourth quarter showcased the type of performance that could fuel MVP consideration. The highlight came on a 20-yard touchdown pass to WR Keenan Allen, where Herbert avoided two Denver defenders and delivered a sidearm throw while being hit by Nik Bonitto.

The clutch execution under pressure demonstrated Herbert’s ability to elevate his play when games are on the line, a quality that often separates elite quarterbacks from their statistical peers.

​Even Hall of Famers are reshuffling their quarterback rankings. Joe Montana caused a buzz on The Pat McAfee Show when asked to name his three present-day quarterbacks he would pick to open a franchise. By excluding Patrick Mahomes completely, Montana mentioned Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert. “I just like the way those three guys are,” Montana explained.

​”They’ve kind of gone by the wayside there… but I like the guy with the Chargers, Justin Herbert.” For a four-time Super Bowl winner and two-time league MVP to include Herbert in that mix is a reflection of how far Herbert’s stock has risen.

Herbert’s performance against Mahomes only served to confirm Montana’s judgment. The victory not only strengthened the Chargers’ position but also revealed Herbert’s growth from a tantalizing prospect to a quarterback who can dictate games on any level.

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