Jets defense poses tough challenge for Chargers QB Justin Herbert

Quarterback Justin Herbert is removed from his most productive performance of the season in the Chargers’ win over the Bears last Sunday.

Chicago’s defense wasn’t anything to write home about, but the same can’t be said about his next task when Los Angeles travels to New York to face the Jets.

The Jets’ defense has not been quarterback-friendly, as they’re fourth in passing yards per attempt (5.7) and fifth in passing yards per game (184.4).

New York has faced Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Bills’ Josh Allen in their first seven games. They combined for three touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Mahomes and Allen faced the Jets at MetLife Stadium in primetime games this season and were kept in check.

The Jets are loaded at each level of the defense and it starts up front, where their interior defensive linemen and edge defenders are second to none at generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They lead the league in pressure rate at 29.5%.

The Chargers offensive line had its best performance in pass protection against Chicago, but the group has been uneven in that department this season, especially after losing center Corey Linsley. When the heat has been on, Herbert hasn’t handled it well, looking frantic and rattled.

On the back end of the defense, New York has a suffocating secondary that makes it difficult for pass catchers to create separation.

Because of how good the Jets are against the pass, this might be a game where Los Angeles looks to establish an efficient rushing attack. While the Bolts haven’t been the best running the football, New York hasn’t defended it well, either, as they have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards (1,014).

It helps that the Jets rank near the bottom in total offense, but the Chargers must find ways to overcome their tough defense, especially in the second half, as they have only scored 16 points in the third and fourth quarters of the past four games.