Experts predicted Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to undergo the dreaded “sophomore slump.”
What sophomore slump?
The former Oregon standout picked up where he left off after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year last season.
He already has three 300-yard games and 13 touchdowns in 2021.
His hot start has elevated his teammates’ production as well.
here's the mail that never fails!
it makes me wanna wag my tail!
when it comes I wanna wail…
MAAAIIIIIIILLLLLLLLL!!!!!— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 15, 2021
Austin Ekeler has collected 349 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Mike Williams leads the team with six touchdowns and 471 receiving yards.
Keenan Allen is not far behind with 369 yards and a score.
Rookie Rashawn Slater turned out to be a formidable wall that protects Herbert’s blindside.
Justin Herbert’s not the only young star in LA.
Rashawn Slater is a PROBLEM. pic.twitter.com/sxTBywJnHA
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 13, 2021
On defense, the Chargers have Joey Bosa, Kyler Fackrell, and Derwin James Jr.
It’s tough to find a soft spot in their roster, especially after their 47-point performance against the Cleveland Browns.
Baker Mayfield and company matched them for every point, but Herbert willed his team to victory.
It was a historic game for the 23-year-old Herbert, for he surpassed Kurt Warner for the second-most passing yards by a quarterback in his first 20 starts.
That was also his fourth game with over 300 yards, two passing touchdowns, and a rushing score.
Justin Herbert in 18 of 20 NFL starts has either won the game or lost by 1 score.
— Spread Investor (@spreadinvestor) October 15, 2021
Herbert also joined Patrick Mahomes as the only quarterbacks with more than 40 touchdowns and less than 15 interceptions in their first 20 starts.
Ironically, the Chargers already defeated Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs this season.
They’ve also defeated the Washington Football Team and the Las Vegas Raiders en route to a 4-1 record.
However, they will encounter a difficult test in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Getting a win over Lamar Jackson and company will push the Chargers as the AFC’s top team.
Yes, even better than the Buffalo Bills.
Will The Chargers Shock The Ravens?
No offense to the Bills but their four wins came against teams with losing records.
In contrast, the Chargers already have three wins versus squads with winning marks.
It could have been four had they found a way to score four more points against the Dallas Cowboys.
Therefore, Brandon Staley’s crew does not shy away from tough competition at all.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley on Lamar Jackson: “You’re seeing a player that’s never played in the NFL.”
(via @chargers) pic.twitter.com/Sl3omi7p9M
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) October 14, 2021
They will be coming into Baltimore, which has one of the NFL’s most rabid fan bases.
Expect the crowd to be loud, especially when the Chargers have the ball, to disrupt their cadence.
But take the spectators away, and the Ravens can punish Los Angeles with their high-powered offense.
Jackson is on pace for his third-straight 1,000-yard rushing season.
However, he’s also beating teams with his arm.
Lamar Jackson's 1,860 combined passing and rushing yards this season are more than 18 NFL teams 😈 #SCFacts pic.twitter.com/gaoZs0Elb7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 12, 2021
Baltimore leads the league in total yards at 440.6 yards per game and ranks sixth in passing with 291.8 per game.
Meanwhile, their patchwork ground game with Jackson, Latavius Murray, and Ty’Son Williams ranks fourth with 148.8 yards every contest.
The Ravens are also seventh in run defense, giving up only 93.2 yards per game.
Head coach John Harbaugh will establish their run game against the Chargers to eat as much time as possible.
Allowing Herbert to operate will lead to quick scores because Baltimore has the third-worst pass defense this season (296.4 yards allowed per game).
Justin Herbert: 90.4 passing grade on 3rd and 4th down this season
1st among all QBs 🎯 pic.twitter.com/sVXEcvgvSs
— PFF (@PFF) October 8, 2021
While this game has the makings of a shootout, Baltimore’s weakness plays into Los Angeles’ strength.
Therefore, there’s a good chance that Herbert and the Chargers will get another statement win on the road to rest their case as the AFC’s top dog.
NEXT: Justin Herbert Already Looking Like Chargers Franchise QB