After three weeks of the NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers were showing signs of being a strong playoff contender. After upsetting Patrick Mahomes and Co. in the opener, they went for two straight victories and were at 3-0. But after that, the Chargers have tumbled back down to Earth. They have suffered two back-to-back losses, and what’s more concerning is that QB Justin Herbert’s postseason issue has resurfaced again.

Justin Herbert has thrown three interceptions in the last two games. Two of these interceptions came in the last game against the

New York Giants and one in the last game against the Washington Commanders. And the Chargers lost both of these games. This is a big concern for HC Jim Harbaugh, as Hebert is showing a pattern similar to the 2024 playoffs, where he threw 4 interceptions.

In the last regular season, Herbert had just three interceptions, but he exceeded that total in a single playoff game. Herbert was picked off a career-high four times against the

Houston Texans. This made him the first player in NFL history to throw more picks in a playoff game than in the regular season. Well, it looks like his interception issues have started haunting the team again, and it has worsened with back-to-back injuries.

The injuries in the offensive line have deteriorated Herbert’s protection, and this is also a contributing factor to Herbert’s increasing interceptions. Offensive Lineman

Joe Alt suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 loss and was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders. Starting right guard Mekhi Becton was ruled out in the Week 4 game against the New York Giants because of concussion protocol.

The injury news didn’t stop there. Left tackle

Rashawn Slater has been ruled out for the entire season after tearing his patellar tendon. But it’s not only the protection being hampered by injuries; even Herbert’s running game will now be affected. That’s because running back Omarion Hampton suffered an ankle injury in week 5.

All these injuries have contributed to Herbert’s last two game performances, and they have also brought a spike in his interception numbers. Yes, we can’t completely blame the injuries or Herbert for the interceptions. But this is one aspect that HC Jim Harbaugh will have to take into consideration moving forward. It’s necessary since Herbert will be facing the

Miami Dolphins with a thinner offensive room.

Triple Blow for Justin Herbert Before Showdown with Dolphins

Ahead of the showdown against the Dolphins, Herbert has to deal with multiple setbacks. The two starting offensive tackles,

Joe Alt and Trey Pipkins, and one wide receiver, Derius Davis, will not be available against the Dolphins.

The two biggest losses for Herbert are Alt and Pipkins. Alt has been protecting since moving to the left side at the beginning of this season. This Sunday will mark his second missed game of the season.

On the other side, Pipkins, the Chargers’ starting right tackle, has appeared in 89 games since 2019 and has started in 61. This Sunday, he will miss his first game of the season. Davis also played a big role in the Chargers’ offense the past two seasons. As of the 2025 season, he has appeared in two games and has yet to catch a pass.

With two offensive lines not available and one wide receiver target missing, Herbert will have to come up with his own winning formula against the Dolphins. Otherwise, Herbert will end up adding more numbers to his NFL 2025 stats’ interception column and the Chargers might even out there scoreboard.

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