39. That’s the number of passing yards that quarterback Justin Herbert was shy of from breaking the rookie record held by Andrew Luck (4,336).
While Herbert did not surpass Luck, he still managed to set a few prestigious records in the season finale of what should be considered one of the best campaigns by a first-year signal-caller in NFL history.
Herbert became the youngest quarterback in league history to throw 30 touchdown passes in a single season. Herbert, who did it at 22 years and 299 days old, broke Lamar Jackson’s record, who threw for 30 touchdowns at 22 years and 339 days old.
He also passed Carson Wentz’s rookie record of 379 completions in a season. He had four total touchdowns to give him 36 this season, passing Cam Newton’s record. Herbert now possesses the most rushing touchdowns in a single season by a Chargers quarterback in franchise history with five.
Along with that, Herbert set the rookie record for most games with at least 300 passing yards (8), most games with at least two touchdown passes (10) and most games with at least three touchdown passes (6).
On the day, Herbert threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in Los Angeles’ 38-21 victory over Kansas City. He finished the year with 4,336 yards, 31 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions in 15 games.
Not too shabby for a quarterback that wasn’t expected to play much in his first season. The sky is the limit for the former Oregon product, especially if the Bolts get a new head coach that’s capable of maximizing Herbert’s potential.
