Harbaugh lauds Herbert after win over Titans: 'Half man, half beast'

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh coined a new nickname for quarterback Justin Herbert following Sunday's 27-17 win over the Tennessee Titans.

"I'm changing his name to 'Beast.' Beast Herbert," Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said, per team reporter Eric Smith. "Half man, half beast."

Herbert, known for his big arm, dazzled fans and teammates with his legs in Week 10. The 6-foot-6, 236-pounder ran for 32 yards on nine carries with one touchdown. The rushing score was Herbert's first since Oct. 1 2023.

"It's a threat that you have to hold the defense accountable to," Herbert said regarding his running ability, according to The Los Angeles Times' Thuc Nhi Nguyen. "As long as I'm smart and I pick my battles correctly, I think it's a big part of our offense."

Herbert has rushed for over 30 yards in two of his last three starts, which includes a career-long 38-yard run against the New Orleans Saints.

The Chargers quarterback also enjoyed an efficient afternoon as a passer. He completed 14 of 18 passes for 164 yards and one touchdown while extending his interception-free streak to seven games. The 2021 Pro Bowler set a new NFL record for completions by a player in their first five seasons (1,772), breaking Derek Carr's mark (1,759).

Herbert's high ankle sprain doesn't appear to be an issue, as he juked former teammate Kenneth Murray Jr. to the ground during the Chargers' opening possession. He later left Titans cornerback Roger McCreary on the turf with another dazzling juke.

Hebert's ability as a dual-threat passer caught at least one of his teammates off guard.

"Man, Justin was doing some (stuff) I've never seen ... I didn't know he had that in his arsenal," said Khalil Mack, per Smith.

The Chargers (6-3) have won three consecutive games and will host the Cincinnati Bengals (4-6) on Sunday Night Football in Week 11.