Chargers and Seahawks Quarterbacks Make Unfortunate NFL History
Justin Herbert and Sam Darnold are intercepted on the first two plays of the game, marking a first in league history.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold made NFL history on Sunday, but not in a way either team would hope for. In the opening plays of their game, both starting quarterbacks threw interceptions, marking the first time in league history that this has occurred on the first two plays of a game.
Herbert's pass was intercepted on the very first play from scrimmage. The interception was followed by Darnold's pick on the subsequent play, according to data from @QBgami.
While both quarterbacks began their teams' respective drives with turnovers, their subsequent performances diverged. Midway through the third quarter, Darnold had guided the Seahawks to a 27-6 lead, having thrown two touchdown passes. In contrast, Herbert had only accumulated 36 passing yards and was intercepted again later in the game. Herbert has now thrown at least one interception in every game this season, bringing his total to six.
Herbert's struggles this season have been a point of concern for the Chargers, with his interceptions against Seattle described as appearing to be thrown directly to the opponent. The start to this particular game compounded those concerns for Chargers fans.