Tom Brady enjoys the Raiders while criticizing Justin Herbert: “Throws him a meatball sub”

Tom Brady’s sharpest criticism of Justin Herbert came at a painful moment for the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, when one questionable throw helped turn a promising afternoon into another frustrating defeat.

Los Angeles had built a 10-0 advantage in Buffalo and repeatedly disrupted Josh Allen and the Bills, forcing five turnovers.

The Chargers even held a 13-10 lead in the fourth quarter, putting themselves in position to secure a result that could’ve provided a much-needed boost to their season.

Instead, Herbert made the mistake that became the defining play of the game.

With Los Angeles facing third-and-5 at the Buffalo 23-yard line, Herbert looked toward Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a deep throw over the middle. Bills defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson read the play perfectly, stepped in front of the pass near the goal line and intercepted it at the 1-yard line before returning it 41 yards.

The turnover swung the momentum back toward Buffalo, which eventually completed a 24-16 comeback victory. Given the Chargers had already forced five turnovers, failing to capitalize on such a favorable situation proved particularly costly.

Calling the game for FOX alongside Kevin Burkhardt, Brady immediately focused on Herbert’s decision-making. “Poor awareness, poor decision,” Brady said, before adding his memorable description: “Throws him a meatball sub.”

Herbert’s costly mistake adds to growing pressure

The interception was especially damaging because the Chargers had created an unusual opportunity against an opponent that repeatedly gave the ball away. Buffalo committed five turnovers, yet Los Angeles couldn’t turn those takeaways into enough points to put the game beyond reach.

Herbert finished the afternoon 20-of-34 for 226 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Bills then scored the game’s final 14 points, leaving Los Angeles empty-handed despite controlling much of the contest.

The performance adds to a difficult opening three weeks for Herbert . The Chargers are now 0-3, and the quarterback’s inconsistent play is attracting increased scrutiny as the team searches for answers offensively.

Los Angeles entered the season expecting Herbert to lead an offense capable of competing with the AFC’s strongest teams. Instead, turnovers, missed opportunities and inconsistent execution have become recurring problems.

That doesn’t mean Herbert was solely responsible for Sunday’s loss. The Chargers’ offense had other opportunities to put the game away, while Buffalo’s defense deserves credit for producing critical stops when they mattered most.

Gardner-Johnson’s interception came at a pivotal point, and Brady’s blunt assessment captured why the throw generated so much attention.

The Chargers now face a difficult road ahead after starting the season without a win. Herbert will have another opportunity to change the narrative, but Sunday’s interception means Brady’s “meatball sub” line will remain attached to one of the quarterback’s most costly decisions of the young season as pressure continues to build around Los Angeles.