Herbert’s focus draws fresh attention
Michael Irvin’s comments about Justin Herbert have sparked discussion following the Chargers’ 0-2 start to the 2026 season. Irvin questioned whether Herbert’s relationship with Madison Beer could affect his focus.
Herbert and coach Jim Harbaugh have publicly described the relationship positively. Herbert also missed part of the voluntary offseason workouts while supporting Beer during her music tour.
Herbert and Beer are engaged
Herbert and Beer announced their engagement on July 28, 2026, through a joint Instagram post. The announcement followed months of public appearances involving the Chargers quarterback and the singer-songwriter.
The couple was first spotted together publicly in August 2025. NFL reporting noted that Beer attended Chargers games, appeared with Herbert at other Los Angeles sporting events, and that Herbert appeared in her “lovergirl” music video.
Herbert missed part of voluntary workouts
Herbert spent part of the 2026 offseason in Europe supporting Beer during her music tour. The Chargers said he missed a portion of voluntary offseason workouts while supporting her tour.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said he gave Herbert permission to miss those workouts. Harbaugh also said Herbert regularly attended voluntary and non-voluntary workouts and described the decision as a matter of balance.
Harbaugh publicly supported the relationship
Harbaugh’s comments differ from the concern Irvin later raised about Herbert’s time away from practice. The Chargers coach said he was happy Herbert supported Beer because Beer also supported Herbert at football games.
The team’s official account reported that Herbert returned to practice on May 27. During that session, he completed all five of his seven-on-seven passes to five different receivers.
Herbert enters his seventh season
Herbert entered the 2026 season as the Chargers’ starting quarterback for a seventh NFL season. Through his first six seasons, he established himself as the franchise’s long-term quarterback.
NFL reporting said in July that Herbert had not yet won a playoff game with Los Angeles. The Chargers entered 2026 after consecutive 11-6 regular seasons that both ended with playoff appearances.
The Chargers fell to 0-3
Los Angeles opened the 2026 regular season with a 26-14 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals on September 13. The Chargers then lost 26-14 to the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on September 20 before falling 24-16 to the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 on September 27.
The three losses left Los Angeles at 0-3 heading into Week 4. The Chargers are scheduled to visit the Seattle Seahawks on October 4.
Herbert’s early numbers drew attention
Herbert completed 17 of 27 passes for 209 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception against Arizona. He followed that performance with 15 completions on 27 attempts for 192 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions against Las Vegas.
Through 3 games, Herbert had 627 passing yards, 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. The Chargers’ official statistics list his passer rating at 73.4 through those games.
The Raiders loss intensified scrutiny
The Raiders defeated Los Angeles 26-14 after Herbert threw 2 interceptions in the September 20 matchup. Herbert did not lose a fumble, although the Chargers committed several offensive mistakes during the game.
The Raiders limited the Chargers to 14 points and recorded 3 sacks. Los Angeles struggled to sustain its offense during the second half as the Raiders pulled away for the win.
Interesting fact: Herbert set the NFL rookie record for touchdown passes in 2020 with 31.
Irvin focused on practice time
Irvin’s criticism centered on Herbert leaving practice rather than on Beer attending games or supporting him publicly. He argued that teammates could question whether winning remained the player’s primary focus.
During the Dan Patrick Show discussion, Irvin connected his view to lessons he said he learned under former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson. He emphasized keeping a team’s attention centered on winning.
Herbert has described Beer as supportive
Herbert has described Beer as a source of support. During an August 2026 SiriusXM NFL Radio appearance, he said the relationship had been “so incredible,” that Beer had changed his life, and that he was excited to spend his life with her.
Those comments were made before Irvin’s September remarks. They provide a documented description from Herbert himself, rather than an outside interpretation of how the relationship affects his football preparation.
The Chargers also changed their offense
Herbert entered 2026 with a new offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel, adding another major change around the quarterback. The Chargers also worked to improve their offensive personnel after injuries affected their offensive line in 2025.
The team’s official coverage said Herbert was learning McDaniel’s system during the offseason. Through 3 regular-season games, however, Los Angeles had scored 44 total points while losing all 3 games.
Herbert rejected panic after two losses
After the Raiders loss, Herbert said he trusted the players in the locker room and did not think the team was panicked or worried. He said the Chargers needed to correct their mistakes, move on and improve heading into Week 3.
The Chargers’ official coverage reported that Herbert said the team was close, had made mistakes and needed to fix them. He also emphasized improving execution against Buffalo.
The internet is also talking about Sophie Cunningham earning support from FOX contributor despite WNBA criticism.
Irvin’s comments are part of a wider debate
Irvin’s remarks became part of the conversation surrounding Herbert after the Chargers’ 0-2 opening. The documented facts include Herbert’s relationship with Beer, his authorized offseason travel, and his early-season statistics.
They do not establish that the relationship caused the Chargers’ losses or Herbert’s interceptions. Reporting also identifies football factors including protection problems, drops, injuries, turnovers, and offensive execution during the opening two games.
In other news, Breanna Stewart calls out no-call involving Angel Reese.
What do you think about Irvin’s comments and the debate surrounding Herbert’s focus? Like this post and comment with your thoughts.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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