LA Chargers: Making the case for an open quarterback competition

The LA Chargers would be wise to have an open QB competition in training camp

As the LA Chargers prepare for life without Philip Rivers for the first time in over 16 years, all eyes will be on their quarterback situation once training camp arrives. It’ll be an interesting situation as the Chargers have the best of both sides when it comes to the most important position on the team.

On one side, they have a proven veteran quarterback in Tyrod Taylor who is more than capable of running the Chargers’ offense. On the other side, they just drafted their potential future franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert who has all the attributes needed to be the next big thing in the NFL.

The Chargers have some options to consider but in the grand scheme of things, it’s best to not simply give the keys to Taylor but have an open quarterback competition in training camp. That way, both potential starting quarterbacks can come in, prove their worth, and have the leadership regime decide who best puts them in a position to win the most football games.

The LA Chargers must start the QB that will win them the most football games

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While it might make sense to have Taylor immediately be named the starter, nothing should be given just because a new rookie quarterback is in town. While it may benefit Herbert to perhaps spend a year or two on the sideline learning, if he’s ready to play at a pro-level and proves it in training camp, it wouldn’t make sense to have him ride the bench.

Considering that Taylor will be an unrestricted free agent in 2021, Herbert is obviously here to stay. If he earns the starting role, there shouldn’t be a problem with his overall development as he gets used to life in the pros.

Many teams tend to start their freshly drafted rookie quarterbacks and even though there will be some bumps in the road, they manage to do just fine and learn a ton of valuable experience right off the bat.

It’s an exciting time for the Chargers as they will hopefully start a new era under center if everything falls into place sooner rather than later. It might take some time for clarity to come but make no mistake about it, with training camp on the horizon, it’s time to let these two quarterbacks duke it out to determine who is the best player to lead the team back to the NFL Playoffs in 2020.