Why Justin Herbert isn't to blame for Chargers' strange start

Many people pegged the Los Angeles Chargers to be Super Bowl contenders heading into the 2022 season. 

While they're not at all bad with a 4-3 record, the team hasn't quite lived up to the preseason hype. How much of that is on quarterback Justin Herbert? 

Looking at the circumstances around him, it's hard to blame the Oregon alum for much. 

Herbert has been playing through a rib injury for most of 2022, and he's missing his star left tackle Rashawn Slater. While rookie Jamaree Salyer has filled in admirably for Slater, it's still tough to lose a franchise left tackle. 

The Chargers have also been snakebitten in the receiving core. Wideout Mike Williams is out, and WR Keenan Allen has missed time. WR Josh Palmer was also questionable with an injury in practice this week, as was tight end Donald Parham, Jr. 

That leaves a lot on tight end Gerald Everett's shoulders. 

Outside of Herbert, the offense is flowing through running back Austin Eckler, who helps spearhead a respectable running group of Sony Michel and rookie Isaiah Spiller. 

Though, with so much invested in the receiving core, LA can't afford to miss top guys like Allen and Williams. 

The Los Angeles defense has also had to withstand the losses of pass rusher Joey Bosa and cornerback J.C. Jackson. It doesn't help that head coach Brandon Staley has come under fire at times for his in-game decisions. 

Herbert isn't on track to post as much yardage as he did in his first two seasons, but it's also hard to blame him for Los Angeles not quite being world-beaters. Considering how the season has gone, Herbert deserves a lot of credit for keeping his team in the plus.