Chargers' Jim Harbaugh on struggling Justin Herbert: 'Be better' - ESPN

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh offered a rare public critique of quarterback Justin Herbert a day after the team's 24-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

​«Be better. Be better,» Harbaugh said of Herbert's decision-making. «And that drives Justin, that drives me, that drives his position coach, that drives Mike [McDaniel], the coordinator. I mean, drives us all.»

Since he took the job in 2023, Harbaugh has avoided criticizing his star quarterback, often willing to point out other players' mistakes in defense of the QB. Harbaugh said Herbert's interception in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders was wide receiver Derius Davis' fault, for example. In Week 1, when two Arizona Cardinals defenders ran free at Herbert for a sack, Harbaugh said Herbert's protection calls weren't an issue; rather, wide receiver Tre' Harris ran the wrong route.

Harbaugh has said throughout his tenure that he thinks Herbert is the greatest quarterback of all time. He once said he wishes he could trade genes with Herbert because of how perfect a player and person he is.

​Last week, Harbaugh said he «wouldn't change a thing about Justin.»

​That makes Harbaugh's criticisms Monday all the more meaningful, as Herbert hasn't looked like the player many consider among the NFL's most talented quarterbacks this season.

​Sunday's game marked another poor performance for Herbert, who looks like a shell of himself in McDaniel's offense. Herbert finished with 226 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception, but could have easily had three picks if Bills defenders hadn't dropped two. ​The interception that was caught, by C.J. Gardner-Johnson, was almost thrown directly to the safety. The ball was intended for wide receiver Marquez