Justin Herbert's Surprising Comparison To NFL Great Peyton Manning

Justin Herbert's first five NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers show remarkable statistical similarities to Hall of Famer Peyton Manning's first five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Herbert played 79 games compared to Manning's 80 games over that span, and Herbert's touchdown pass total is just one shy of Manning's mark after five seasons.

Both quarterbacks experienced playoff struggles in their early careers. Manning went 0-3 in the postseason through five years, while Herbert made the playoffs twice but lost both games (to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022 and the Houston Texans in 2024).

A significant difference is in interceptions: Manning threw 100 interceptions in his first 80 games, whereas Herbert has thrown only 45 in his first 79 games. Both also saw coaching changes during their first five years; Herbert played under Anthony Lynn, Brandon Staley, and now Jim Harbaugh, while Manning played under Jim Mora and Tony Dungy.

Herbert posted his best individual passing numbers under Staley, throwing a career-high 38 touchdowns in 2021. However, he achieved his best team success under Harbaugh in 2024, leading the Chargers to an 11-6 record. Their passing yardage is also very comparable: Herbert amassed 21,093 yards compared to Manning's 20,618 yards through five seasons.

While Manning suffered three playoff losses in his first five years before going on to a legendary career (earning 5 MVPs, 2 Super Bowls), the article notes Herbert, at only 27 years old, has ample time to pursue similar accolades. Herbert entered the NFL at the same age (22) as Manning.