How the Chiefs’ defense can stop Justin Herbert

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Containing a quarterback with the talent and playmaking ability of Justin Herbert can feel like an impossible task.

The 25-year-old out of Oregon has been an instant sensation since entering the league in 2020, and he presents a huge problem for the Chiefs on Sunday.

He might be 1-5 in his career against KC heading into this weekend, but don’t let that stat fool you.
Herbert has been massive in each of those contests, as the Chiefs have rarely had an answer when facing the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year from 2020.

Over his career, Herbert has completed 67.9% of his throws versus KC, putting up 1,744 yards through the air in only six games.

He has scorched the Chiefs’ secondary with 15 touchdown passes against them while only throwing six interceptions, and he has an impressive rating of 107.3.

Slowing Herbert down

If there’s a QB who doesn’t appear to be intimidated by that atmosphere at Arrowhead, Herbert might be it, as he’s tossed three or more TDs in each of the Chargers’ last three games played there.

At the same time, his only two victories against the Chiefs have come at Arrowhead, both in 2021.
Further to that point, he’s recorded 26+ completions in each of the last nine Charger games after a loss and has put up over 278 passing yards in eight of their last nine road fixtures against the AFC West.

Fortunately for the Chiefs, they can counter his numbers with another guy who’s had some pretty stellar performances versus LA in Patrick Mahomes.

The reigning league MVP is 7-2 in his career versus the Chargers, throwing for multiple scores in seven of those encounters, though his rating overall is a little below Herbert at 99.9.

Meanwhile, his overall completion percentage against LA is 62.5%.

Steve Spagnuolo’s crew have been excellent in pass coverage throughout the year against some big-name quarterbacks, such as Jared Goff, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields and Kirk Cousins.

That should give them much confidence going into this matchup against a desperate Chargers team that is 2-3 on the season.

L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie could be focal points in slowing down the Chargers aerial attack come Sunday.

Sneed and McDuffie have eight passes defended between them in 2023, though neither corner has an interception, while safety Justin Reid has chipped in with five passes defended, plus an interception and a sack.

Obviously, Herbert will try to pad his stats by throwing the ball against KC; there is an area the Chiefs have been successful at when facing the Chargers pivot: pressure.

KC has managed to sack Herbert in four of their five contests against him, including seven in two of his visits to Arrowhead.

The Chiefs’ pass rush has started to heat up since All-Pro Chris Jones returned to the team, as KC have seven sacks in their last two outings, including four versus Denver.

Perhaps the best way to prevent Herbert from hurting the Chiefs through the air is to get to him before he can throw.