Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert Impresses In OT Loss

Rookie Justin Herbert showed flashes that he could be the Chargers’ new franchise QB.

Los Angeles Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert found out minutes prior to kickoff that he would be starting against the defending Super Bowl champs and last year’s MVP, Patrick Mahomes.

Even though the Chargers ultimately suffered an overtime defeat at the hands of a Harrison Butker 58-yard field goal, Justin Herbert was able to move the ball downfield and put the Chargers in a position to win.

Herbert finished the day completing 66.7 percent of his throws with a touchdown. Herbert’s touchdown pass was a thing of beauty. He read the defense perfectly and threw a 14-yard beauty to the corner of the end zone.

Most of the day, Herbert displayed pin-point accuracy and got the ball into the hands of his receivers. His only mistake was a crucial red-zone interception.

Herbert scrambled to the left sideline and could’ve picked up the easy first down. Instead, he decided to play hero ball and attempted a jump throw downfield to Keenan Allen who was double-teamed.

Herbert not only was able to make plays with his arm but also his feet. Herbert rushed for 18 yards on only 4 carries and was able to rush for his first career touchdown. Herbert was able to execute read options, and scramble away from added pressure which helped him a ton.

Herbert in his first career start was very poised and unfazed. In the face of pressure, he was able to scramble to extend plays. Herbert did not even break a sweat when his shoe fell off mid-play. At 6’6″, 236 pounds, Herbert was also able to stay in the pocket and deliver the pass while withstanding some big hits.

Anthony Lynn has been adamant about Tyrod Taylor still being the starter, but Justin Herbert’s performance could signal a wake-up call for Taylor. As for Herbert the start “caught him by surprise”, but he has been training as if he is the starter, and will continue to.