It’s only been four games, but quarterback Justin Herbert has shown that he’s the answer at the position for the Chargers for many years to come.
Herbert’s play on Monday night was what kept the team Los Angeles alive in their 30-27 loss to the Saints, as he tossed four touchdowns – the most ever by a rookie on Monday Night Football.
Herbert did this while missing three starting offensive linemen and wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Austin Ekeler.
“I thought the kid did some good things,” coach Anthony Lynn said on Herbert.
Herbert was pressured on 20 of his 38 dropbacks last night, per Pro Football Focus. However, he overcame being under duress.
While he still managed to make some great things happen in bad situations, Lynn noted the poor performance from the offensive line.
“My quarterback was running for his life,” Lynn said.
The 22-year old leads the NFL when pressured in adjusted completion rate and efficiency.
Three of Herbert’s touchdowns went to wide receiver Mike Williams and tight end Hunter Henry, with the other going to WR Keenan Allen.
After Allen left the game with a back injury, Herbert resorted to Williams, where the two connected five times for 109 yards, including a deep bomb for 64 yards.
“I just told him trust me. That’s the main thing I tell him every day. ‘Trust me, bro. It may not look sweet, just throw it up. I’ll go get it,'” Williams said.
Herbert also leaned on Henry, targeting him eight times. The 25-year old tight end, like the majority of the population, believes the future is bright for Herbert, and knows the team now has to back him up in order to help capture his first professional win.
“The kid is a stud. Great player. I just hate for him. He still hasn’t gotten his first win as a starter, but the kid is playing out of his mind. We all need to be better for him. Pick him up because he’s playing really, really good,” Henry said.
