Justin Herbert was given free rein to showcase his arm, firing pass after pass against the defending AFC champions. This approach hinged on trust; not necessarily in Herbert's ability, but in his receivers' capabilities. "It's all about having a clear mind and trust," Quentin Johnston said. "Trusting the play call, and then trusting yourself to get open. Trusting Justin that the ball will be in the right place when you get open."
Jim Harbaugh has already called him one of the greatest players to ever play his position. The perception nationally of Justin Herbert isn't as charitable. The consensus is that Herbert doesn't belong in the top tier of NFL quarterbacks alongside the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen or Joe Burrow. If anything, Herbert might be viewed as being closer to Jared Goff or Brock Purdy than Mahomes or Jackson.