Harbaugh backs Herbert after Rams DB said Chargers QB 'was throwing deli meat'

Harbaugh on Rams DB's 'deli meat' comment on Herbert: 'It's not what I see'

• ESPN

Nov 5, 2026, 10:04 AM ET

Quarterback Justin Herbert's struggles in offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's offense have gotten to the point where an opposing player compared his passes to "throwing deli meat." Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh does not agree, however.

Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake couldn't hold back his laughter when discussing what it was like facing Herbert in Week 8 on the latest episode of the "St. Brown Podcast," co-hosted by Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and his brother Equanimeous St. Brown, which was published Wednesday.

"I mean he was throwing deli meat out there. He's seeing ghosts," Lake said. "I don't know what's going on but like, we knew we were going to get a couple. At least one."

"(Justin Herbert) was throwing deli meat out there." Rams S Quentin Lake speaks on his interception vs. the Chargers which helped the Rams secure their 2nd straight win to improve to 4-4 🏈 https://t.co/U58URxMhzB

— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) November 4, 2026

Herbert did in fact throw two interceptions against the Rams, one to Lake, as the Rams defeated the Chargers 24-9 in matchup of Los Angeles teams. The Chargers fell to 0-7 on the season as they failed to score a touchdown for the second straight game.

Herbert, a former Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler, leads the NFL with 10 interceptions in those seven games and is ranked last with a QBR of 32.6.

Harbaugh was asked about Lake's comments Wednesday afternoon.

"As far as anybody else's opinion, I don't see that. Everybody's entitled to their opinion," he said. "It's not what I see."

Harbaugh added that he thought Herbert "did his job exceptionally well" against the Rams but conceded there were "two throws he would have liked to have back."

Herbert also was asked about Lake's comments and said, "I haven't looked into it. I haven't heard anything about it so I can't make a comment about it."

Harbaugh has continually defended McDaniel and stood by his offensive coordinator, who joined the club after he was fired by the Miami Dolphins. The Chargers are ranked last in the NFL with a 14.1 points per game average and second-to-last in the league with 2,018 total yards.