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Justin Herbert kind of starred and flopped as the Los Angeles Chargers ended their preseason with a 20-18 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi. They finished the preseason with a 1-2 record after back-to-back defeats. Meanwhile, the Rams swept their preseason matches to finish a perfect 3-0. Head coach Jim Harbaugh chose to play key starters in the final preseason game, offering fans one last look at their star quarterback before the regular season kicks off. And Justin Herbert delivered a complete mixed bag. Herbert and the first-team offense started their drive with 12:30 left in the opening quarter. Their opening play looked promising a solid nine-yard catch by Charlie Kolar. But on the very next snap, Herbert fumbled the handoff to running back Omarion Hampton. Rams safety Nick Andersen reacted quickly, pouncing on the ball at the Chargers’ 14-yard line. A messy handoff from Herbert gifted an easy turnover to Rams safety Nick Andersen. Just two plays in, a costly error set up an easy field goal for the Rams. Fans Rip Justin Herbert On Social Media “If Jalen Hurts did this tomorrow they’d be questioning if he deserves life on ESPN,” a fan wrote on X. If Jalen Hurts did this tomorrow they’d be questioning if he deserves life on espn — smitty (@fearofsix) August 28, 2026 “[Justin] Herbert on his Playoff form already,” one fan commented. Herbert on his Playoff form already — Gabo Tamayo 🥑 (@gabotamayo) August 28, 2026 “Buns. Worst exchange flop of the season,” another wrote. “Too busy thinking about his girlfriend,” one commented. “Madison [Beer] is the devil,” one fan commented. “Wipe off that Madison love lotion, Herbie,” a fan wrote. Justin Herbert didn’t take long to bounce back Herbert’s next drive started with a pass deflected right at the line. But using a play-fake, Herbert spotted Quentin Johnston running free deep downfield. With zero hesitation, he launched a moon ball with Johnston making the catch and sprinting 65 yards to score a touchdown. And with that, Herbert’s work for the night was done. Coach Harbaugh was stunned by the touchdown throw, calling it a ‘double wow’ play. “Double wow,” Harbaugh said [h/t The Sporting Tribune]. “I like the response from the entire team from week two to week three.” The Chargers believe in Herbert’s elite arm talent enough to build their future around him. No wonder they locked him down in 2023 with a massive five-year, $262.5 million deal through 2029. More NFL news from Gridiron Heroics - Todd Monken Reveals Stance On Dillon Gabriel’s Impressive Outing vs. Patriots Affecting Browns QB Depth Chart - Broncos HC Sean Payton Calls Out Ex-Chiefs OL Over Bo Nix Criticism - ‘I Learn Everyday’: Bill Belichick Gets 100% Real Adapting to CFB Coaching Ahead of Year 2 at UNC - ‘Pulling Thelma and Louise and Driving off the Cliff’ – Colin Cowherd Sounds Alarm on 49ers After Jed York’s Arrest