Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert went toe to toe with arguably one of the greatest signal-callers to play the game Sunday, and he never flinched.
Even though Los Angeles suffered defeat to the Buccaneers, Herbert guided his team to 31 points against one of the league’s best defenses, completing 20 of 25 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns.
Herbert delivered darts to all parts of the field, all while missing two of his starting skill players. Under pressure, he was composed, continuing to show great pocket mobility and awareness.
Following his performance, Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians, who’s also one of the best in the business at developing quarterbacks, shared what he thought about the 22-year old Sunday.
“I told Anthony [Lynn] after the game, You’ve got a great one. That looked like [Patrick] Mahomes, where we had an all-out blitz, and he just kept retreating. Then he threw a dime down the field. For rookies to make plays like that, you know they’re special,” Arians said.
Tom Brady, Herbert’s idol growing up, also had high praise for him following the game.
“He was very impressive. He played great,” Brady told reporters after the game. “He’s got all the ability. He’s got a great arm. Moves really well. The team believes in him,” Brady said.
Herbert has been one of the positives, despite the 1-3 start for the Chargers. He has done enough to warrant himself as the starter moving forward. However, coach Anthony Lynn said Tyrod Taylor remains the team’s starter when he’s healthy.
Coach Anthony Lynn will have a decision to make before next week’s Monday night game against the Saints.
