For years, the Los Angeles Chargers have been a team on the cusp of greatness. They have had a very talented quarterback in Philip Rivers, who consistently put up impressive numbers, but unfortunately, he was never able to lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl victory. And now, with a new quarterback in Justin Herbert, it seems like history may repeat itself.
When the Chargers drafted Herbert in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, they had high hopes for the young quarterback. And rightfully so, as Herbert had a successful college career at Oregon, where he was a standout player. He had all the physical tools and the potential to be the next big thing in the NFL.
In his rookie season, Herbert has shown flashes of brilliance. He has thrown for over 4,300 yards and 31 touchdowns, breaking numerous records along the way. He has also proven to be a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for 234 yards and five touchdowns. These are impressive numbers for a rookie quarterback, and it’s clear that Herbert has a bright future ahead of him.
However, despite his impressive stats, there is a concerning trend that has emerged for Herbert. In his first 14 games, Herbert has posted a record of 6-8, with the Chargers currently sitting at a disappointing 5-9 record in the 2020 season. This may not seem like a big deal, but when compared to other top quarterbacks in the league, it becomes a cause for concern.
Take Patrick Mahomes, for example. In his first 14 games, Mahomes had a record of 12-2 and went on to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory in his second season. Lamar Jackson had a record of 11-3 in his first 14 games and went on to win the NFL MVP award in his second season. Even Baker Mayfield, who had a rocky rookie season, had a record of 7-7 in his first 14 games.
So why is Herbert struggling to win games despite putting up impressive numbers? One of the main reasons could be the lack of support from the Chargers’ defense. The Chargers have one of the worst defenses in the league, ranking 28th in points allowed per game. This puts a lot of pressure on Herbert to constantly put up big numbers to keep the team in the game. And as a rookie, this can be a daunting task.
Another factor could be the coaching staff. Head coach Anthony Lynn has been criticized for his conservative play-calling and questionable decision-making. This has led to the Chargers losing multiple close games that could have been won with better coaching. It’s important for a young quarterback to have a strong and supportive coaching staff to guide him through the ups and downs of the NFL.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for Herbert and the Chargers. Despite the concerning trend, there are still many reasons to be optimistic about their future. Herbert has shown tremendous potential and has proven that he has what it takes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. With the right support and development, he could become one of the league’s top quarterbacks in the near future.
The Chargers also have a talented roster, with players like Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, and Joey Bosa, who can make a significant impact on the field. With the right coaching and some key additions in the offseason, the Chargers could turn things around and become a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
In conclusion, while the stats may show a concerning trend for Justin Herbert, it’s important to remember that he is still a rookie and has a lot of room for growth. The Chargers need to provide him with the necessary support and resources to help him reach his full potential. With a strong offseason and a better overall team performance, there’s no doubt that Herbert and the Chargers can turn things around and become a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.
