Here’s a far-too-early look at Chargers QB Justin Herbert’s MVP candidacy

EL SEGUNDO — Justin Herbert’s game-clinching, 19-yard scramble against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 5 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was the kind of play under pressure that can often lead some pundits to declare a player worthy of MVP consideration. Except it happened in Week 1.

Herbert’s composure while directing the tying and winning drives in the final five-plus minutes against the Denver Broncos on Sunday at SoFi Stadium were the types of remarkable performances under pressure that lead pundits to declare a player MVP worthy. Except it happened in Week 3.

No question, if the Chargers had a vote, Herbert would be the runaway winner for the NFL’s MVP award. His play against the Chiefs and the Broncos, sandwiching a solid if less spectacular show during a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2 provides ample evidence in their minds.

“He’s the greatest,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said in the afterglow of a 23-20 victory over the Broncos. “Whatever fill-in-the-blank (scenario) is happening, he’s one-of-one that I’ve ever seen at the quarterback position who’s got that talent too to go with all the other ones (traits). He’s the fiercest.”

Or as right tackle Trey Pipkins III said of Herbert via the team’s website after the Chargers improved their record to 3-0, “The dude is unbelievable. I have zero words. What can I say? He was getting hit, making throws. He led us the entire time. If that’s not (an) MVP, I don’t know what is.”

Oddsmakers also include Herbert among the MVP favorites, so there’s that to consider, too. In its far-too-early rankings of potential MVP candidates, Sports Illustrated placed Herbert No. 1, ahead of two-time MVP Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and reigning MVP Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills.

Sports Illustrated called Herbert’s 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Keenan Allen for the tying touchdown against the Broncos his signature play of the season to date, a remarkable scramble to his left and flawless throw across his body while under pressure from Nik Bonitto.

It also singled out Herbert’s standout performance during the fourth quarter against Denver, when he completed 12 of 15 passes for 123 yards plus the pivotal touchdown pass to Allen as MVP-worthy in its rankings. Herbert hit four different targets in the fourth, including Allen six times for 58 yards.

Overall, Herbert completed 28 of 47 passes for 300 yards with one touchdown and one interception. It was his second game of 300 yards or more after throwing for 318 yards and three touchdowns against the Chiefs. He leads the NFL with 860 passing yards through three games.

Harbaugh paused earlier this week to consider a question about what separates a great quarterback, and there are many in the NFL, from an MVP winner. What makes the difference between an elite quarterback and someone who plays on an even higher level, someone like Jackson or Josh Allen?

“I think I could separate that or maybe try to define it,” said Harbaugh, a quarterback of some renown over 177 career games in 14 seasons with the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, the Ravens and the then-San Diego Chargers. “A great quarterback is a guardian of victory.

“They’re just going to do everything in their power to make sure their team doesn’t lose. And then the times where they have to step up and take the game in their hands, the entire team on their shoulders, that’s an MVP. I’ve seen that happen quite a few times, including this one (Sunday).”

JAMES HONORED

Safety Derwin James Jr. was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording a team-leading 12 tackles, including 10 solo, on Sunday. He had four tackles for losses, including one sack of Denver quarterback Bo Nix. James helped limit the Broncos to only nine first downs.