Former LA Chargers edge rusher Kyle Van Noy just became the most recent former teammate of Justin Herbert to critique his game. Van Noy's comments were mostly constructive, but they still rubbed Chargers fans the wrong way.
Van Noy didn't question Herbert's care or effort, but he did question if Herbert was diverting all his attention in the right places. The veteran edge rusher seemed to insinuate that Herbert didn't spend enough time studying film, which is a crucial part of a quarterback's success.
Many Chargers fans questioned this specific comment given how smart and diligent Herbert is. Fans weren't alone in their questioning, as fellow former Charger Breiden Fehoko weighed in with a completely different take.
Justin would leave the facility at 9pm on days off lol
— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) July 8, 2025
Breiden Fehoko comes to the defense of Chargers QB Justin Herbert
Someone leaving the facility at 9 p.m. is probably watching a lot of film. Chargers fans don't need to be told this, though, as they can see with their own two eyes that Herbert is prepared by watching film every single week.
Fehoko was asked why he thinks so many former teammates are willing to take a stand and critique their former quarterback. According to Fehoko, Herbert takes these shots because he is not someone who is going to run and defend himself on social media or in interviews.
It also doesn't help that this has become a talking point. It's a lot easier for Herbert's former teammates to go out on a limb and criticize his game when they are constantly asked about it in interviews.
It's also hard to tell exactly what Van Noy meant in his comments. Most of Van Noy's comments were constructive as he was not taking a potshot at his former quarterback like others have done in the past.
Perhaps Van Noy was just using film as an example of ways a quarterbacks spend time, and not outright saying Herbert wasn't watching enough film. However, based on the comments that were provided, it does seem like there was some kind of insinuation that Herbert needs to watch more film.
It's also important to note that it's been three years since Van Noy played with Herbert. A lot of the criticisms that Van Noy had may no longer apply to Herbert in 2025.
Herbert should not be immune to any criticism. No quarterback in the league is perfect and to insinuate that Herbert has no faults would be disingenuous. This criticism of Herbert just never made much sense. Thankfully, Fehoko came in for the rescue.