Justin Herbert nearly out-duels Tom Brady in great performance

Justin Herbert nearly out-dueled Tom Brady in an awesome game.

The Los Angeles Chargers’ defense has been hit hard by injuries in 2020, but even sitting at 1-3 through the first quarter of the season, they have gotten some incredible performances from rookie quarterback Justin Herbert.

Herbert was inserted into the starting lineup after a bizarre incident featuring the Chargers’ team doctor and starter Tyrod Taylor, who has been out with a ribs injury.

I don’t know if Taylor will be getting his job back when he’s healthy, anyway. Not after what Herbert has shown in a small sample size.

Herbert had the Chargers really close to an upset over the Kansas City Chiefs, and after a tough loss to the Carolina Panthers, Herbert also had the Chargers really close to upsetting Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road.

Brady had a vintage performance himself with 369 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception.

Herbert nearly spoiled it all with his 290 yard, three-touchdown performance.

If you’re a fan of the Los Angeles Chargers, taking this loss is a lot more palatable knowing that Herbert is playing so well. Ultimately, that’s more important in the long run for this Chargers team as the defense will get healthy at some point to support the rookie QB.

Herbert’s arm strength was never an issue at Oregon, but some of the throws he made against the Buccaneers were unlike any we’d seen in his four years with the Ducks.

The fadeaway touchdown throw against pressure, in particular, is one of the more impressive throws you’ll see by a rookie quarterback.

In their previous game against the Denver Broncos, the Buccaneers’ pass rush had similar success beating the offensive line for pressure, but the big difference against the Chargers was the fact that Herbert was able to either avoid the pressure or made big-time throws against it anyway.

More than simply arm talent or statistical production, the way Herbert was able to play so well against Todd Bowles’ defense (20-of-25 passing, 80 percent completion rate) is what is really impressive.

The Bucs’ defense is fast at all three levels and they have a defensive backfield of underrated players that has really taken a leap forward in 2020. The fact that Herbert was able to really have his way with them is impressive and speaks to his poise.

The best is yet to come for him, too.