NFL Power Rankings, Week 8: Packers bounce back, Seahawks stumble

There’s a ton of praise for rookie quarterback Joe Burrow, and rightfully so. The Cincinnati Bengals first overall pick has been fantastic so far in his young career, but there’s another rookie who has been playing equally impressive. Justin Herbert, who was taken sixth overall by the Los Angeles Chargers, has been on a roll this season, and now, he finally scored his first win as a starter.

Herbert, who was originally backing up Tyrod Taylor, threw for over 300 yards in his first two starts and nearly led the Chargers to wins over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2. He then had 264 yards with four touchdowns in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints, again falling just short as they lost in overtime.

Then in Week 7, he finally got a victory as he and the Chargers won 39-29 over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Herbert was again brilliant in this win, throwing for 347 yards while rushing another 66. He had no turnovers and was responsible for four touchdowns — three through the air and one on the ground.

Los Angeles is now 2-4 and while it’s not realistic for them to make a big run this season, they have shown a lot to be encouraged by. And Herbert, most importantly, is proving that he is the face of their franchise.