At least on the surface, Chargers QB Justin Herbert has stayed even-keeled during the highs and lows of his NFL career. Sunday's loss to the Chiefs brought some emotion to the surface, however.
CBS cameras caught Herbert slamming his helmet in frustration during the second half, slamming it into the Chargers' bench on the sideline.
Never seen Justin Herbert this upset before. LA has lost two in a row. pic.twitter.com/Z8r9ephJYM
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 29, 2024
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The Chargers ultimately lost 17-10, likely causing even more grief for the banged-up Bolts' QB. Here's what we know about the sideline outburst.
Why did Justin Herbert slam helmet on sideline vs. Chiefs?
The clip aired at the end of the third quarter, but it likely didn't occur at the moment — the Chargers were driving down the field and set up in the red zone by that point. The only other Chargers offensive drive in the second half might have been the reason for the frustration, though.
Los Angeles was forced to try a long field goal after Herbert couldn't connect with Quentin Johnston on second or third down in Chiefs territory. Cameron Dicker's 55-yard attempt missed, and the Chargers whiffed on a prime opportunity to extend their lead.
If Herbert was frustrated in the third quarter, the fourth quarter couldn't have felt any better. The Chargers never scored again, losing 17-10 despite taking a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.
Offensive struggles might not have been the only reason for Herbert's frustration. The Pro Bowler was playing through an ankle injury for the second consecutive week and was seen limping around at times during the loss.
Herbert similarly started last week's game against the Steelers with a touchdown drive but aggravated the injury and later had to exit the game. He never exited against the Chiefs, but he never found the end zone again after an early touchdown drive that gave the Chargers the lead.
With an early bye coming up in Week 5, Herbert will at least be able to rest for two weeks before facing the Broncos in Week 6.
