The future looks bright for the Los Angeles Chargers. Quarterback Justin Herbert, the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, made his first NFL start Sunday against the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie turned some heads this weekend with his arm, poise in the pocket, and intangibles.
Herbert’s Debut
Justin Herbert would have himself an impressive debut for his career. The rookie completed 22 of 33 passes for 311 yards, passing and running for a touchdown and throwing an interception. Not to mention a crash course hit with Linebacker Damien Wilson that left Wilson hobbled on the field and Herbert unharmed.
Herbert’s two scores were visions of promise for the franchise. The first being a run on a play action roll out to right. Seeing the lane wide open for the easy walk in. But the passing touchdown to fellow rookie Jalen Guyton was next level. Throwing a perfect pass on the corner route in the back of the end zone.
The main blunder Herbert had all game was the interception at the end of the third quarter deep into Kansas City territory up 17-9. Looking for a kill shot, Herbert turned down an open run for the first down and instead went with the pass to Keenan Allen. The ball was throw into a tight window which led to the interception by Tyrann Mathieu. With rookie quarterbacks come the growing pains.
Here is Herbert’s highlight video of his debut.
Thoughts By Teammates
Charger players really enjoyed what they saw from the rookie. Star defensive end Joey Bosa liked what he saw, saying, “He has great vision back there. His arm was a little too strong today on a few passes, but I just really like what I’m seeing from him. He’s got a great head on his shoulders. It’s going to be exciting to see him grow.”
Head Coach Anthony Lynn said Herbert believed that he was joking when giving him the nod to start. But that wasn’t the case.
When asked when he got the message he was starting, Herbert simply replied, “I didn’t think he was joking. He (Coach Lynn) came up to me and told me five or ten seconds before kickoff.” And in his debut he showed what looked to be a promising future for the Bolts.
Tyrod Taylor Status
First string Quarterback Tyrod Taylor was a last minute scratch due to pregame injections. Taylor experienced complications from a pain killer that was supposed to help a rib injury. He was taken to the hospital and later discharged the same day.
Taylor’s status for next week’s game against the Carolina Panthers is still in the air as he is listed as day-to-day. However, Coach Lynn has already made it clear that, “if Tyrod Taylor’s 100%, he’s our quarterback.”
Who Should Start?
There is a clear confidence difference in the offense with both quarterbacks at the helm.
When Taylor was under center during week one, the Chargers looked very stagnant and couldn’t get anything going. The Bengals defense dared Taylor to make throws, knowing he isn’t that elite of a passer. And it was evident on a few of his throws last week.
But now with Herbert running the show, defenses will have to respect his playmaking ability on both the run and the pass. With the rookie under center, the Chargers offense looked more confident and moved the ball much more efficient.
There is a case to be made that Taylor did his job and managed the game week one. The only knock him is, is he isn’t exciting to watch. But as it goes in the NFL, an ugly win is better than a good loss. And that is what Tyrod did, not turn the ball over and create opportunities for the other team.
If this is only a preview of what is to come with the former Oregon Duck, there is a lot to excited about. For the first time in a couple of seasons, Charger fans have a sense of hope for their team heading forward.
