Los Angeles Chargers' QB Justin Herbert enters Sunday night's game in New England with an 0-2 playoff record. Forget the yardage records and countless touchdowns and lofty passer ratings, now is the time of year when NFL quarterbacks carve our their legacies. Two words - and one stat - that frame every quarterback in the Hall of Fame:

Justin Herbert did not suit up for the Los Angeles Chargers ’ Week 18 loss to the Denver Broncos. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh left his star quarterback out of the lineup, with L.A. already locked into a spot in the NFL playoffs.

There’s something in his competitive fire,” coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this season, “it motivates him even more.”

Justin Herbert. Drake Maye. Sunday night. This has all the makings of a classic primetime matchup. The last time the Bolts and Pats met in the playoffs was during the 2018-19 season. New England took that one 41-28. Philip Rivers threw for 331 yards and three touchdowns, while Tom Brady had 343 yards and a touchdown.

The Chargers quarterback led his team to 11 wins despite playing the final month of the season with a broken left hand

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said his star quarterback and the rest of the team have been gladiators and warriors for making it to the postseason despite numerous injuries.

At the latest press conference, Los Angeles Chargers star quarterback Justin Herbert was asked about his hand injury. “It continues to get better,” He.

In Los Angeles, talent buys patience, but winning earns belief, and Justin Herbert is still searching for his first defining playoff moment.