Why is Justin Herbert called a 'social media quarterback?' Explaining bizarre criticism surrounding Chargers star

David Suggs

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Why is Justin Herbert called a 'social media quarterback?' Explaining bizarre criticism surrounding Chargers star image

The internet is a cesspool.

You don't need me to tell you that. But between anonymous accounts sending unsightly DMs, memes that don't quite land and a certain nervy Twitter owner, it can get unchy on the net.

Justin Herbert knows all about that. Felled by a wave of injuries that hit the Chargers attack at the start of the season, the Los Angeles gunslinger couldn't quite hit the heights of his historic first two seasons.

That brought with it criticism from a number of talking heads, namely Fox Sports' Emmanuel Acho. And although Herbert has since recovered from his slow start — and has the Bolts on the brink of a playoff appearance — some murmurs remai.

Here's the skinny on one of Herbert's newest monikers — a social media quarterback.

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Why is Justin Herbert called a 'social media quarterback?'

Herbert is one of the game's most exciting quarterbacks. That wasn't enough for Acho, though, who has held an agenda against the Los Angeles quarterback for much of this year. 

Acho's anti-Herbert propaganda seemed to start in earnest on Nov. 21st, the day after Herbert tossed a late-game interception in the Chargers' 30-27 loss to the Chiefs.

He doubled down on the comments on Twitter after Los Angeles' duel with Miami was flexed onto "Sunday Night Football" for Week 14.

Herbert proceeded to set the Dolphins' defense alight, completing 39-of-51 passes for 367 yards and a touchdown. Perhaps most importantly (at least for Acho's agenda): Herbert out dueled Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailaoa, who completed just 10 passes for 145 yards.

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Chargers' Twitter made sure to remind Acho of his faux pas.

It seems Acho views Herbert's game as one that is more conducive to glitzy highlight tapes shared on social media than that of a productive quarterback.

The problem is that Herbert is on a historic pace for NFL hurlers. He has more yards in his first three seasons than any other QB in NFL history and has notched 30 touchdowns in his opening two years.

Herbert and the Bolts are on the brink of a playoff appearance. So Acho should get plenty more time to watch the "social media" gunslinger for additional time.

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.