Justin Herbert played his most complete game of the season Thursday night to lead the LA Chargers to a statement victory over the Denver Broncos. The Chargers greatly improved their playoff odds with the win and swept Denver for the first time since 2010.
What makes Herbert's performance all the more impressive is how little help he has compared to other great quarterbacks. Herbert's two touchdown passes went to players the casual NFL fan has likely never heard of: Derius Davis and Hassan Haskins. Outside of Ladd McConkey, Herbert does not get the luxury of throwing to top-tier pass catchers.
It's not like Herbert gets much help from his offensive line, either. While his tackles — Rashawn Slater at left tackle and Joe Alt at right tackle — are elite, the interior offensive line is among the worst in the entire league.
The interior offensive line proved just how low the bar is on Thursday night despite the win. It was an awful grade for that group, highlighted by some of the worst collective Pro Football Focus grades you will ever see.
Player | Pass-blocking grade | Overall grade |
|---|---|---|
LG Zion Johnson | 40.8 | 46.6 |
C Bradley Bozeman | 17.5 | 32.1 |
RG Trey Pipkins | 23.7 | 35.7 |
Chargers' interior offensive line turns in horrendous PFF grades vs. Broncos
It is hard to get much worse than this. PFF grades are by no means the end-all, say-all and are certainly flawed but it is remarkable just how bad these collective grades are for the Chargers' interior offensive line.
But is anyone really surprised? Chargers fans have watched this unit struggle all season long. Thursday's struggles were nothing new for Chargers fans, who are already planning ahead for what offensive linemen the team can add in the offseason.
The season-long pass-blocking grades are better but still aren't any good. Johnson has a 60.0, Bozeman has a 47.6, and Pipkins has a 45.6. There are 60 interior offensive linemen who have at least 480 pass-blocking snaps this season; Johnson ranks 48th, Bozeman ranks 57th, and Pipkins ranks 59th.
All three of the Chargers' starting interior offensive linemen rank in the 20th percentile with the Bolts having two of the four worst starters in the entire sport. And people wonder why this offense has struggled and that is without mentioning the lack of weapons and the disappointing play-calling.
The Chargers have figured out the tackle position now the team needs to add resources in the inside to protect Justin Herbert. Herbert might be able to elevate the team on occasion but it is not a long-term winning formula to roll out what is easily the worst interior offensive line in the entire sport.