Why Justin Herbert believes politeness is helping Chargers win games

Justin Herbert’s arm isn’t the only thing helping the Chargers win games — his manners are apparently playing a role too.

The Los Angeles quarterback was heard on AT&T Stadium microphones at the coin toss of the Chargers’ road matchup with the Cowboys saying “please” to referees multiple times, and following the game, he said he believed the politeness might just be giving his team an edge.

“Usually I always say, ‘Please,’” Herbert told reporters. “You know, it doesn’t hurt. We’ve been pretty good at coin tosses this year, so maybe that’s the reason.”

After calling “tails, please” during the coin toss prior to the Chargers’ game on Sunday against the Cowboys, Justin Herbert had one of the best games of the season. Getty Images

Herbert’s “tails, please” call scored the Chargers a coin toss victory before they went on to beat the Cowboys 34-17. According to StatMuse, he and his Bolts squad have now won 11 of their 15 coin tosses, good enough for second-most in the league.

Herbert, 27, couldn’t recall exactly if he was as courteous during the pregame rituals last season, but he was confident it’s nonetheless providing the Chargers a boost this year.

Justin Herbert threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for 42 yards and another score in a 34-17 victory over the Cowboys. Getty Images

“I think it’s best to just, you know, put out good energy,” he said, “and hopefully you’re able to win the coin toss.”

Herbert and the 11-4 Chargers won’t have to wait long to see if they can continue their hot stretch both before and during games — they play next on Saturday against the Texans at SoFi Stadium.

But they could learn Monday night if they’re officially in the playoffs, as a 49ers win over the Indianapolis Colts would punch their ticket to the postseason.