As the Los Angeles Chargers came away with a huge victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 6, the team was able to temporarily sweep some of its glaring problems under the rug, and it is likely that the narrative surrounding the offense would be much different had Justin Herbert not become superhuman on the final drive of the game.
Now, as they head back home to face the hot Indianapolis Colts in Week 7, Herbert and the Chargers have the chance to seriously quiet their doubters by putting up an all-around solid performance against a struggling Colts defense.
While their win against Miami was massive for getting their season back on the right track, a decisive victory over Indianapolis could be the step the team, and Herbert, need to take to be considered a genuine playoff contender.
Justin Herbert could have his most pivotal game of the season in Week 7
So far, as Los Angeles has creeped to a 4-2 record on the season, Herbert has looked incredible. Despite the abysmal struggles of his offensive line, Herbert has posted the highest QB rating of his career (extended out over the course of a season), throwing for 1,493 yards and 10 touchdowns.
While he has thrown four interceptions, already surpassing his total from last season, he has generally done an excellent job dealing with the exorbitant amount of pass-rush pressure that has come his way through the first six weeks.
Now, against the 5-1 Colts, Herbert has a chance to prove that he might truly have something special in store this season.
While Indianapolis has a more-than-capable pass rush, having already amassed 16 sacks, there is a chance that left tackle Joe Alt returns this week, meaning that the offensive line could have its first semblance of consistency since he went down.
Moreover, the Colts secondary is largely in shambles at the moment. It remains to be seen whether cornerback Charvarius Ward will play after sustaining a concussion in warm-ups last week, and, even with him playing, Indianapolis's defense has allowed 232.8 passing yards per game: good for 22nd in the NFL.
With Quentin Johnston likely to return, the Chargers will have their full pass-catching arsenal available and clicking yet again.
Additionally, while the Colt's run defense has been passable, they are still 12th in the NFL, having ceded 93.3 rushing yards per game to their opponents. With Kimani Vidal's breakout, 124-yard performance last week, Los Angeles should be able to get just enough going in the run game to loosen up their passing attack a bit.
Therefore, while taking on Daniel Jones and the humming Indianapolis defense will be a tall task, the conditions are right for Herbert to rise to the occasion, and his ability to do so could finally cement the Chargers as a bona-fide playoff team in the AFC.