Jim Harbaugh Issues Rare Public Critique of Justin Herbert Following Loss to Bills

Coach Jim Harbaugh told Justin Herbert to "be better" after the quarterback recorded 226 passing yards and an interception in a 24-16 loss to Buffalo.

Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh publicly critiqued quarterback Justin Herbert on Monday following the team’s 24-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. During the Sunday defeat, Herbert completed 226 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception. The turnover occurred when Herbert threw a pass intended for Marquez Valdes-Scantling directly to Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a play Fox Sports commentator Tom Brady described as a "meatball sub."

According to ESPN, the Chargers remain winless this season despite a defensive performance that forced five turnovers against Buffalo. The offense, coordinated by Mike McDaniel, managed only 14 points in the contest. The unit struggled with five offensive penalties in the third quarter, a missed field goal by Cameron Dicker, and dropped passes from tight end Oronde Gadsden and wide receiver Quentin Johnston.

Harbaugh’s comments regarding Herbert’s decision-making represent a shift in his public rhetoric. Previously, the coach defended Herbert by attributing a Week 2 interception against the Raiders to receiver Derius Davis and blaming a Week 1 sack on a wrong route run by Tre’ Harris. Although McDaniel stated in training camp that Herbert was ahead of schedule in the new wide zone scheme, the quarterback has struggled through the first three games of the season.