The Los Angeles Chargers have a quarterback with the arm talent to make difficult throws, but that has not stopped their offense from becoming a major concern. Justin Herbert’s recent performances have raised questions about his decision-making, while Jim Harbaugh continues to back his quarterback and offensive staff.

With the team still searching for its first win, Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter believes the problems run deeper than the offensive scheme.

Cris Carter Questions Justin Herbert’s Future With Chargers

Carter believes Herbert’s biggest issue is his lack of anticipation, which often leaves him holding the ball while waiting for receivers to get open.

Speaking about the Chargers’ struggles, the NFL legend compared that trait with what he sees from younger quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jordan Love.

“Something is wrong with the Chargers, and something is definitely wrong with their franchise quarterback,” Carter said. “Is Harbaugh’s power running attack obsolete in this new NFL? And is Justin Herbert’s lack of anticipation the reason he holds the ball forever? He doesn’t have the anticipation of some of the younger quarterbacks, Caleb Williams and Jordan Love.”

Carter explained that anticipation requires a quarterback to release the ball before a receiver enters the passing window. He argued that Herbert has struggled to trust those openings, making it harder for the offense to operate on time.

“Anticipation is, ‘I’m going to release this, believing that the receiver is going to come into that window even though I can’t see him.’ And anticipation is hard to teach,” Carter said.

He also rejected the idea that first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel should carry most of the blame. Carter believes Herbert must take responsibility for his own development instead of relying on a change in coaching or scheme to fix his problems.

“Now people want to blame it on Mike McDaniel. You are responsible for your own development. You have to take ownership of your career. And he doesn’t have great anticipation,” Carter added.

Carter’s criticism comes as Herbert leads the NFL with 10 interceptions through 7 games. The Chargers have lost all 7 contests, while Herbert has thrown only 5 touchdown passes.

He has also taken 23 sacks behind an injured offensive line and holds a 69.3 passer rating. Herbert ranks 35th in PFN NFL QB Impact Score with a grade of 61, below QBs like Baker Mayfield and Tanner McKee.

The Hall of Famer went as far as questioning whether Herbert should remain the team’s long-term answer. He suggested Los Angeles could consider trading him rather than continuing to build around a quarterback whose development has stalled.

“I know people don’t want to criticize him, but if it were me, if I’m the owner in LA, there’s nothing that he is doing that’s telling me he’s a franchise quarterback,” Carter said.

He suggested the Chargers could seek at least 3 first-round picks and a player in a potential trade.

Carter also questioned Harbaugh’s ability to fix the situation, taking aim at the coach’s record with quarterbacks.

“And also, the head coach has never developed a quarterback. Just saying,” Carter said.

Harbaugh, meanwhile, has continued to defend Herbert. After the loss to the Rams, he rejected Quentin Lake’s criticism of the quarterback and ruled out benching him. He has also backed McDaniel despite the offense going 27 drives without a touchdown.

Carter’s comments put pressure on both the quarterback and the coach. While Harbaugh remains committed to his current approach, the Chargers must find answers before their winless start becomes even harder to recover from.