NFL Week 16 takeaways: Finally, playoffs for Justin Herbert

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NFL picks; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

We finally get to see Justin Herbert in the NFL playoffs

Herbert and the Chargers clinched a playoff berth after beating the Colts 20-3 on Monday night. This will be Herbert’s first playoff appearance in his career, and the Chargers are a team no one wants to play in the postseason.

The 24-year-old quarterback has become a bit underrated in recent weeks because of the narrative that he does not win games. We have to realize that Herbert is a top-five talent at the quarterback position, and the Chargers’ offensive scheme is simple and boring. It is not expansive or innovative, and with Herbert as the signal caller, play calls should be opened up, but that is not the case. Brandon Staley is a ‘meh’ head coach and I would not trust him in key situations.

If the playoffs started today, the Chargers and Herbert would be up against the Bengals and Joe Burrow. If Herbert was able to beat Burrow in Cincinnati, the narrative about Herbert would be flipped on its head. Los Angeles has so much talent on both sides of the ball but seems to be held back by coaching and schematics.

I would get rid of Staley regardless of what happens in the first round of the playoffs, and if you can snag Sean Payton as the next head coach, I would do that in a heartbeat. Herbert paired with Payton could maximize Herbert’s potential.

The playoffs are a monumental opportunity for the Chargers and Herbert to change the narrative about the franchise and the quarterback’s status.

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