LA Chargers: Team grades in the shocking Justin Herbert Chiefs’ game

The LA Chargers lost a close one in overtime to the Chiefs, but Justin Herbert’s debut made all of the headlines. How did each unit grade?

Tyrod Taylor was supposed to be the starting quarterback today. At least Anthony Lynn, Justin Herbert, and Taylor all thought that would be the case. Herbert ended up starting for the LA Chargers after Taylor was declared out with chest pains and sent to the hospital.

Anthony Lynn said he found out that Tyrod Taylor wouldn't be able to play after the coin toss. Taylor went to the hospital. Unclear what exactly happened to Taylor during warmups, Lynn said. #Chargers

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 21, 2020

On Friday, Taylor showed up on the injury report with a ribs injury, but no one thought much of it at the time. He was a full participant in practice. When Lynn told Herbert that he was starting due to Taylor’s chest paints, Herbie didn’t think he was serious.

If you told me six hours ago that Taylor was out and Herbert was starting, I would’ve then asked how many touchdowns we lost by. The rookie QB impressed though, throwing for 311 yards, one touchdown, and 67% completion. He also ran one into the end zone himself on the first drive of the game.

Of course, not everything was perfect. Herbert missed on what should’ve been easy completions high, especially in the first half. The deep interception where he should’ve ran two yards for the first down partially cost the Chargers the game.

Being in his first game against the defending Super Bowl Champions though, Herbert was going to make mistakes. With all he did well today, I like that he also made some errors so he can continue to grow as a quarterback.

For me, the expectations in this game were about as high as Herbert getting out of it with his arm still attached to his body. It’s safe to say he exceeded all expectations and that the Chargers have an interesting decision coming up for Week 3.