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First, ‘meatball sub,’ and now ‘deli meat.’ Even Justin Herbert’s passes are getting the Subway treatment

Justin Herbert said he was unaware of comments by Rams safety Quentin Lake, who said on a podcast that the Chargers quarterback was "throwing deli meat" during the teams' game on Sunday.

By Chuck Schilken · LA Times

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 11:17 PM

Key Things to Know

Opponents and commentators have used sandwich metaphors like 'deli meat' and 'meatball sub' to describe Justin Herbert's recent interceptions.
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 24-9, dropping the Chargers to an 0-7 record.
Quentin Lake and Trent McDuffie each intercepted Herbert, who threw for 257 yards with zero touchdowns.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Rams safety Quentin Lake described Justin Herbert as "throwing deli meat" after intercepting the Chargers quarterback during Los Angeles' 24-9 victory on Sunday. The remark followed Tom Brady previously describing another Herbert interception as a "meatball sub" in September. Herbert threw two interceptions in the defeat against the Rams, leaving the Chargers with an 0-7 record.

Herbert finished the contest with 24 completions on 32 attempts for 257 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Trent McDuffie also intercepted Herbert in the game, while Matthew Stafford connected with Puka Nacua for an 18-yard touchdown. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh defended Herbert, disputing Lake's criticism and praising his quarterback's overall play.

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