Justin Herbert: The NFL’s Last Turnover-Free Quarterback Standing
In a league where turnovers can quickly derail even the most promising drives and ultimately swing the outcome of games, ball security is a trait every coach covets in a quarterback. In the 2025 NFL season, that trait has been exemplified by just one man: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. As of Week 9, Herbert stands alone as the only starting quarterback in the league who has yet to turn the ball over — no interceptions, no fumbles lost — a feat that speaks volumes about his poise, preparation, and precision.
While the NFL has long been a league that rewards risk-takers and gunslingers, Herbert has found the perfect balance between aggression and caution. His ability to stretch the field with big plays while still protecting the football is perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game this season. In a year where even perennial elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have struggled with giveaways, Herbert’s clean record is not just a statistical anomaly — it’s a testament to growth.
Under new head coach Jesse Minter and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Herbert has flourished in a revamped Chargers offense that emphasizes efficiency, quick reads, and controlled aggression. Gone are the days of depending on low-percentage deep balls or erratic play-calling. Instead, Herbert is executing a system that plays to his strengths: a rocket arm, elite vision, and the ability to process defenses quickly.
What’s even more impressive is that Herbert’s streak has not come at the expense of production. He ranks in the top ten in both passing yards and touchdown passes, while also boasting a quarterback rating among the league’s best. The Chargers have maintained a competitive edge in a tough AFC West division, and Herbert’s ability to keep possession and avoid critical mistakes is a primary reason why.
Herbert’s performance is even more remarkable given the context of the 2025 season. The NFL has seen an uptick in defensive takeaways, with teams increasingly investing in hybrid safeties and versatile linebackers who can disguise coverage and force quarterbacks into errors. Yet, Herbert remains unshaken, making smart decisions under pressure and often throwing the ball away or checking down rather than forcing a risky play.
It’s also worth noting that Herbert has faced stiff defensive competition. Over the first nine weeks, he has gone up against the likes of the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, and Kansas City Chiefs — all teams with formidable secondaries and complex defensive schemes. And yet, not once has he given the ball away. The stat line isn’t padded against weak opponents; it’s forged through fire.
Teammates and coaches alike have praised Herbert’s maturity and leadership throughout the season. Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen noted in a recent interview, “Justin’s always been talented, but this year he’s taken it to another level. He’s in total command. We feel like every drive is going to result in points — or at the very least, not a mistake.”
His offensive line has played a critical role in this turnover-free streak as well. The Chargers’ front five has done an admirable job protecting Herbert, giving him time to make the right reads. But even when the pocket collapses, Herbert’s mobility and field awareness allow him to extend plays or escape danger without risking the football.
Of course, no quarterback can go an entire season without eventually facing adversity. Whether it’s a tipped pass, a botched snap, or a perfectly timed blitz, turnovers often happen in the blink of an eye. But Herbert’s early-season success in avoiding those pitfalls is a clear sign of elite quarterbacking.
As the season moves into its second half and playoff races heat up, all eyes will be on Herbert and whether he can maintain this rare streak. If he does, he won’t just lead the league in ball security — he may find himself in the thick of MVP conversations.
In a sport that too often celebrates high-risk, high-reward play, Herbert’s mistake-free approach reminds us that the best quarterbacks aren’t just the ones who make the big throws — they’re the ones who know when not to throw at all.
