The 2020 season is bleak but Justin Herbert gives the Chargers a bright future.
When the Los Angeles Chargers invested the No. 6 overall pick in Oregon’s Justin Herbert, they anticipated the former Duck becoming the face of the franchise. So far, while under center, the rookie has been exceptional and fun to watch, even in a position where he was put into action sooner than expected.
While his team’s record leaves a lot to be desired, the poise and control in the pocket while having the ability to move around is proving essential for Herbert. Though the Chargers will likely have a new staff next season, they can be encouraged knowing they have a young quarterback on their roster.
Additionally, despite not having as many weapons on his team as his counterparts within the division, Herbert has continued to perform admirably.
His teammates are currently viewing him as a tenured veteran which further gives him a leash of leverage if indeed he were to make a mistake. Herbert’s performance against the division-rival Raiders which concluded with him scoring the game-winning touchdown further showed that he is more than deserving of Offensive Rookie of the Year, though Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson will give him a challenge.
Justin Herbert must build off his rookie season to sustain long-term success
There has been a pattern in the NFL of quarterbacks shining in their rookie season only to falter later in their careers. Notable names include Rick Mirer and most recently, Vince Young. In the case of Herbert, things can only get better if he chooses to improve while also sustaining better talent around him.
Given the competitive nature of the AFC West and how the defending champion Chiefs reside within the confines, Herbert will need to adapt while also maximize his teammate’s talents in order to achieve that goal.
Additionally, he understands that the last quarterback taken high in the first round by the Chargers left a large legacy to fulfill in Philip Rivers. Furthermore, one of the more successful quarterbacks in franchise history is from the same school as Hall of Famer Dan Fouts.
Herbert will likely never be Fouts or Rivers, but if he were to lead the Chargers to a championship, he would be the first to win the Lombardi Trophy as Stan Humphries came close but faltered to Steve Young, Jerry Rice, and the 49ers. Justin Herbert has looked impressive and so far appears to be the real deal, whether or not the success is replicated or sustained is a mystery to be solved in the City of Angels.