TRANSCRIPT: Justin Herbert Press Conference 1/7
'Yeah, they're really good. They're hardly ever out of position.' - Herbert on the Patriots' defense.
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Here’s what Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had to say during his press conference on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
On what he’s seen from the Patriots:
“Yeah, they’re really good. They’re hardly ever out of position. It’s a sign of players that play by the rules and listen to great coaches. They play together. They play fast, and they communicate really well, and they’re a really good defense.”
On the fact he just got the week off with the hand and how was it feeling:
“Yeah, it continues to get better. Getting all the swelling out, getting better mobility of it, better strength, getting back to the way it was before. We’re always making strides forward and doing everything I can in the treatment room, out on the field. I thought it was good to have that week.”
On if he feels like this is the best it’s felt since it happened:
“Yeah, for sure. Since before, I’d say it’s definitely … not taking hits on it last week was probably pretty helpful for it, limited the swelling, and just getting back to making sure that you’ve got full strength being able to hold on to a football.”
On if there are things he can do now that he couldn’t do before out there, whether it’s snap without pain or gripping the ball?
“I would say that I was able to do most everything out there. Took some snaps today, and I think it’s at the point where I’m able to take snaps during the week. So I think that’s helpful. But just making sure I can grip on the ball, have two hands on it in the pocket, and how important that is to the quarterback. So I think that’s been good.”
On if today is the first time he’s taken snaps under center during the week since the injury happened:
“I would take a couple on Saturday or Sunday, depending on when we played. But this is the first time early. I think it’s Wednesday. So I think the first time on Wednesday, for sure.”
On if there’s anything you could take away from last year’s game at all coming into this game, because of how different the team is:
“They’re kind of different teams. Every year, coaches change, players change. They’re not the same team they were last year. It was late in the year last year, so you could watch it, but it’s not entirely the same. They’re playing different football now. So you turn on the tape, and you see a completely different team. I think their most recent games are probably more important to watch.”
On personally for him, different years, different teams on both sides, what can he take out of the previous playoff experiences that he’s had, if anything, heading into his preparation for Sunday?
“I think you just treat every one as they come. Our focus on this game against a really good Patriots team. We have to do everything we can to watch as much film on them, be prepared, have a good week of practice to be able to handle them.”
On with Drake Maye, following what he’s seen and the year he’s had, what makes him such a special young QB:
“Yeah, he’s a very talented player. I’ve been watching more defense this week, so I haven’t seen a ton of his film this week. But every time you check on the scores, he has a big game, so I got a lot of respect for him as a quarterback.”
On the fact statistically, he [Herbert] has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league this year when he’s been under pressure, and what have been the keys to that success in that environment:
“I think a lot goes into it. I think it starts with the guys up front and having a good protection plan, being able to communicate with those guys. I think they’ve done such a great job all year of being able to work together, get those calls out and making sure that we’re on the same page, and having running backs and tight-end that are able to add in protection. So to have those group of guys and then receivers on the outside that are able to make plays, I think that’s been really helpful for us.”
On the fact that he’s had so many different combinations outlined, how critical or essential or even more important this year has it been for that communication to establish a rhythm of success there:
“Yeah, I think it’s unfortunate that you have to go through, but I think it’s good for us at the same time where adversity is part of the NFL. You’re going to deal with injuries, and to have a group of guys that you’re able to throw in certain spots here and there, those guys don’t miss a beat. They communicate really well. Whether you got a guy on the left or the right, I think it’s really good for that group to just be able to communicate and talk to each other, especially all the different calls that we have for protection. I think they’ve done such a great job with that.”
On the fact Coach Harbaugh talked about the playoffs and the ‘win or go home nature of them,’ calling it ‘the best kind of chaos’, and what he feels a playoff game is like:
“It’s really fast. You got to do everything to win, and they’re super important. That’s where we want to be at this time of the year. We want to be playing meaningful football, and we’re in a position to be in a position like Coach says. I think it’s a great opportunity for us.
On what would it mean to get his first playoff win:
“It’d be awesome. I think to keep going on in the playoffs is the goal for every team. We’re handling and taking advantage of this opportunity and doing everything we can to be prepared for that.”
On if the week feels different, even though they’re trying to not make it feel different:
“Compared to…”
To a regular season game?
“No, I think we’ve kept our same schedule.”
On just mentally, knowing that this is a playoff game for him.
“Oh, no, I think we treat every game like a playoff game. I think the past five or six weeks, we’ve faced really good opponents, and we talked about that those weeks of ‘We’re going to treat every game like a playoff game.’ So I think for us, it’s been good to be able to handle things like that.”
On In what ways is he more prepared, if at all, for this experience, having been to the playoffs twice:
“I think experience is always a good thing. I think you learn from what you did right, what you did wrong. So I think as long as you have reps and film to watch, I think it’s always a good thing.”
On the fact the Patriots defense, they’re at the bottom of the league in red zone defense, but they’ve given up the fewest red zone plays, and what has he seen from the 20 to the 20:
“I usually watch Red Zone on Thursday afternoon, so I haven’t been able to watch it yet, so I wouldn’t be able to give you an answer. I’m sorry.”
On having been in this situation in the playoffs in the past before, going on the road, what he feels are those moments that have best prepared him for what’s upcoming in New England and just being able to be that leader there and that voice for the offense:
“Yeah, just to fall back on our preparation. We’ve been at it since April, and guys have put in so much work, whether it’s out on the field, in the film room, weight room. Trust yourself, go out there, play fun, play fast, play free, and do it together.”
On the fact he’s obviously a super competitive person, and if this is something he thinks about in terms of the franchise history, never winning a title with shortcomings in the play-offs and how much it would mean to the organization if they were to win a title:
“No, we just think about winning each game, doing our job each week, and studying, practicing, preparing. I think we’re really thankful and grateful for the opportunity. A lot of teams aren’t playing this week, so for us to be able to have a chance, it’s all we can ask for.”
On when he was at Oregon, if he would have liked to have a college football playoff:
“I don’t know. I think it’s a difficult question because I think growing up, I watched so many bowl games, and to me, those were really cool. I think the times have changed, and I think it’s really cool where Oregon’s at this week. So I’m definitely rooting for them. But I enjoyed my college experience, though.”
On the fact that pressure is coming through the middle, they have a couple of really good defensive tackles that get the pressure on quarterbacks, and just in terms of how he operates, what’s different as opposed to when the pressure comes from the edges in terms of how he plays or how he sees the defens, even pre-snapping, how he operates:
“I think it really starts yesterday when you watch all the protections and all the blitzes that they bring. As long as you have a good plan where the offensive line is able to adapt and react to edge pressures, and safety and nickels. I think our offensive line has done a great job of that this year. Being able to communicate, those guys are able to see it, and they communicate when they are able to see a nickel or a safety coming off the edge. They’re picking that up and making sure that we’re in the right call, the right side. I think it starts with having a great protection plan.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This transcript was done based on the available footage and is subject to typographical errors. If you spot anything, please let me know in the comments below.)
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