After a spike in turnovers in 2025, Justin Herbert faces a key question in 2026: can he get back to elite ball security? With improved protection and smarter decisions, a bounce-back season feels well within reach.
If you just glance at the stat sheet, it’s easy to say turnovers suddenly became a problem for Justin Herbert in 2025. He finished the season with 13 interceptions and 15 total turnovers after throwing just three interceptions the year prior. That’s a pretty dramatic swing for a quarterback who had built a reputation on efficiency and ball security.
But numbers don’t always tell the full story.
The biggest difference between Herbert’s ultra-clean 2024 season and his more volatile 2025 campaign starts up front. The Chargers’ offensive line struggled with consistency, and it showed up week after week. Herbert faced heavy pressure throughout the season, including multiple games where defenses lived in the backfield and disrupted timing. There were even stretches where he was among the most-hit quarterbacks in the league, which naturally leads to rushed decisions and forced throws.
When you’re constantly dealing with pressure, turnovers tend to follow. That’s not an excuse—it’s just reality in the NFL.
Still, not all of Herbert’s turnovers can be pinned on protection issues. There were moments where he pressed, especially when the Chargers were trailing. A few ill-timed interceptions, including red-zone mistakes, proved costly in close games. That’s the next step in Herbert’s evolution—understanding when to live for the next play instead of trying to create something out of nothing.
The encouraging part? We’ve already seen him fix this.
In 2024, Herbert put together one of the most efficient seasons in recent memory, throwing just three interceptions across the entire year while maintaining strong production. That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident—it shows he’s capable of adjusting his decision-making at a high level.
So what changes in 2026?
First, the offensive line has to be better. Whether it’s through the draft or free agency, protecting Herbert has to be priority number one. Even a modest improvement in pass protection could significantly reduce hurried throws and strip-sack opportunities.
Second, the Chargers’ offensive philosophy will matter. A more balanced attack—with a reliable run game and quicker passing concepts—can take pressure off Herbert and limit risky situations. When he’s not forced to play hero ball, his efficiency tends to skyrocket.
And finally, it comes down to Herbert himself. The elite quarterbacks in this league—guys who consistently win in January—know when to take chances and when to play it safe. Herbert has already shown flashes of that discipline. Now it’s about doing it over a full season, regardless of circumstances.
The bottom line: yes, Justin Herbert can absolutely limit his turnovers in 2026.
History suggests the 2025 spike was more of a situational issue than a permanent flaw. If the Chargers give him even average protection and a more stable offensive structure, there’s every reason to believe he’ll return to being one of the most careful—and dangerous—quarterbacks in the NFL.