Former NFL star highlights why Justin Herbert must replicate Patrick Mahomes' Super Bowl success while on rookie contract 

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes are two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL today.

Mahomes, a five-year starter, has won a Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP, league MVP, earned five Pro Bowl honors and two All-Pro awards.

Herbert, a three-year starter who has won Offensive Rookie of the Year, was named to the Pro Bowl last season and set the record for most passing touchdowns and completions as a rookie.

Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho compared the two young quarterbacks' success' early on in their careers. While Mahomes has been in the league for a few more seasons, he thinks it's critical for the Chargers QB to replicate Mahomes' success by winning a Super Bowl.

Acho said:

"The real reason it's an issue is a conversation everybody's afraid to have. If you don't win a Super Bowl, in that first contract before you are taking up a boatload of the money, it is significantly less likely that you will win one, outside of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning who were never being paid that much money.

"Think about it Shady (LeSean McCoy), Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson, the Eagles with Carson Wentz on his rookie deal. You think about Russell going back again? Patrick Mahomes. ... Statistically speaking, if you don't win it within that first deal, then it's a lot less chance that you will win."

Justin Herbert has made the playoffs for the first time in his career following Monday Night's victory over the Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Indianapolis Colts.

Following Monday night's victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers clinched a playoff berth.

This is the first time in Herbert's three years that he's clinched a playoff berth.

He finished 6-9 as a starter while setting multiple records as a rookie. In his second season, he led the team to a 9-8 record and just missed the playoffs.

With two weeks left and improving to 9-6, the Chargers have clinched a playoff spot and will enter the postseason as a wildcard team as the Kansas City Chiefs have clinched the AFC West division.

Herbert will get his first crack at experience in the postseason this year, and if he can lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl victory, then maybe his credentials will compete with Mahomes'.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Emmanuel Acho, Speak For Yourself, and H/T Sportskeeda.