LA Chargers: Five takeaways from Hard Knocks Episode 1

4. Justin Herbert and Tyrod Taylor

This isn’t really a battle, which is why I don’t use the term versus. Due to the lack of reps in the offseason, Justin Herbert just isn’t close to being the starter. At the same time, there were promising developments from him in this episode.

Lynn and the coaching staff were impressed by how much ground Herbert was able to cover on the field in walkthroughs and drills.  In addition, Herbert nailed some passing drills.

Justin Herbert already impressing his coaches and teammates. “Low key never seen that.” #HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/eVJxKJMnZn

— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) August 12, 2020

Herbert’s walkthroughs seemed to be progressing nicely, and I’m curious to see his development when the Chargers are finally allowed to put on pads. Tyrod Taylor also took the field in walkthroughs and Lynn praised his skills as a communicator. This falls in line with what Lynn has said most of the time regarding Taylor, in that he’s underrated and will get a “fair shake”.

Taylor also makes a return on Hard Knocks, which is pretty rare. He was obviously part of the Browns’ team that was on the program in 2018. I’ll just say that Lynn seems to be leagues better than Hue Jackson was in handling both the team and the quarterback battle so far.

The leadership and skills that Taylor has will put him over the top at the beginning of the season, but this episode made it apparent that Herbert is right on his tail.

Even without reps and an offseason, it was clear that the LA Chargers were very impressed by their first-round pick. Once Herbert improves on his reads and mental processing, which Lynn mentioned in passing, it will be a true competition.