“The contrast between Herbert and Mahomes is useful with their AQE’s so similar, and unadjusted numbers so different. They are eighth and ninth, respectively, in AQE, but Mahomes is fifth in unadjusted EPA per play, with Herbert way down at 13th.

The Chiefs had one of the best YAC passing offenses in the NFL (52.9% of passing yards, 7th highest) and the Chargers are one of the worst (42.5%, 6th lowest). Mahomes hasn’t lost any of his six fumbles, but Herbert lost four of seven, including two bad exchanges. While Mahomes has suffered some tipped interceptions, he’s also only been picked on two of his 10 throws charted as “INT worthy” by FTN Data, whereas eight of Herbert’s 10 “INT worthy” throws were picked by the defense.”