Justin Herbert vs. Jalen Hurts: Does the Postseason Record Gap Undercut Dan Orlovsky’s Praise for Herbert?

The short answer, based on what’s actually been reported: yes, that gap is exactly what critics are using to push back on Dan Orlovsky, and it’s the center of the current dispute.

What Orlovsky actually said

On ESPN’s “Unsportsmanlike,” Orlovsky explained why he prefers praising Herbert over Hurts by pointing to physical size — Herbert’s 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame — calling that build “what it should look like.” That’s a statement about physical prototype, not about winning results.

Where the postseason numbers come in

According to the reporting, Hurts has more postseason success than Herbert, and one fan comment specifically noted that Herbert has yet to record a playoff win. That’s the gap critics are pointing to: Orlovsky’s case rests on how a quarterback looks physically, while Hurts’ case rests on what he’s actually done in the playoffs.

So does the gap undercut the argument?

It depends on what you think the argument is supposed to be about:

• If the standard is physical tools/prototype — Orlovsky’s point about Herbert’s frame stands on its own; it isn’t a claim about playoff wins.
• If the standard is postseason results — the reporting indicates Hurts holds the clear edge here, which is why fans and commentators, including Robert Griffin III, pushed back on Orlovsky’s framing.

The dispute isn’t really about disputed stats — it’s about which measuring stick (physical build vs. playoff results) should decide who gets praised. Orlovsky has denied that race played any role in his comments, calling those accusations made up.

What’s not confirmed

There’s no statement from Herbert himself in this coverage, and no specific game, injury, or roster news tied to him — this is a media debate about how he’s being evaluated, not new news about him.

⚠️ This is an active, ongoing media discussion, so reactions and framing could keep shifting — worth checking the latest coverage if you’re following how it develops.

Sources / Learn more

• The Shadow League