Justin Herbert fires back at criticism over lack of vocal leadership after Chargers’ 0-2 start

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert pushed back Wednesday on questions about the lack of vocal leadership, but an 0-2 start with a road trip to Buffalo up next puts pressure on him to back up those words with wins. The NFL spotlight will only grow brighter until this team shows up.

When asked a second time about the need for more vocal leadership, Herbert cut off the question. "I don't think there's a lack of vocal leadership at all," he said, per ESPN . "So, I'm going to stop you right there and say that it's very present."

Chargers offense stalls under OC Mike McDaniel

The Chargers lost both home games 26-14, first to the Arizona Cardinals and then to the Las Vegas Raiders . Las Vegas and Arizona held the first and third picks in this year's draft. Many wrongly assumed the Chargers would have an easy path to a 2-0 start.

The offense, now run by new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, has scored 14 points in each loss. Herbert threw two interceptions to Raiders cornerback Hezekiah Masses, but Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh blamed a bobble by tight end David Njoku on one and a wrong route by wide receiver Derius Davis on the other.

"I wouldn't change anything about Justin," Harbaugh said.

Herbert still showed his frustration Sunday. After a snap hit wide receiver Tre' Harris, he slammed his fists and yelled at teammates as he left the field.

Has Herbert's leadership been questioned before?

Former Chargers cornerback Chris Harris Jr., Herbert's teammate in 2020 and 2021, questioned him in June 2024. "He's missing that clutch factor, like a Mahomes ," Harris said, per Sports Illustrated .

Left tackle Rashawn Slater defended Herbert the next month. "It's funny, everyone who calls Justin a quiet leader isn't actually on the team, so they have no idea what his leadership is like," Slater said .

Offensive lineman Trey Pipkins echoed him last season. "I feel like it's been talked about that he's not very vocal, but he's always been very vocal when he's with us," Pipkins said .

Still, the doubts grew after a 16-3 wild-card loss at New England on Jan. 11 dropped Herbert to 0-3 in the playoffs. When asked if he could still win a playoff game, the former Oregon star answered, "I don't know," and added , "I haven't figured it out yet, and it hasn't happened."

Herbert faces Bills, Seahawks and Chiefs

Herbert's teammates have vouched for him for years, but a quarterback with no playoff wins needs to show that leadership on Sundays instead of defending it on Wednesdays. The outburst against Las Vegas showed the fire Slater described, and Herbert should aim it at the six fumbles that hurt the offense against the Raiders.

The Chargers' upcoming schedule isn't pulling any punches for the struggling franchise. Los Angeles plays at Buffalo on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, then visits the Seattle Seahawks, hosts the Denver Broncos and visits the Kansas City Chiefs before its bye. A win over the Bills, while everyone watches to see how the Chargers respond to a slow start, would give Herbert the clearest proof that his teammates are following his lead.