When Jim Harbaugh left the cold winters of Ann Arbor, Michigan for the sunny skies of Los Angeles in January, fans of the LA Chargers were salivating about what it could mean for quarterback Justin Herbert.
When Herbert entered the league in the long-forgotten memory that was the COVID-19 2020 NFL season, hope was high that the Chargers not only found the replacement for Phillip Rivers, but also found the man who could finally win the Bolts a title.
What transpired after that initial promising rookie season was three head coaches, one playoff appearance (a blown halftime lead on the road), four different offensive schemes and disrespect. Lots of disrespect.
Indeed, it seems as if most of the NFL has only doubts about a generationally gifted quarterback. Herbert has height, size, intelligence, dedication, and is tough as nails. None of that has led to divisional titles or any playoff wins, prompting the term “Chargering” — finding a way to lose when a win should be inevitable — to become a phrase in the league.
January was meant to finally change all of this. After all, Harbaugh is the quarterback whisperer! He turned Alex Smith’s career around, found Colin Kaepernick, turned J.J. McCarthy into a top-15 draft pick and won a National Championship.
The hopes were high... and then Harbaugh hired Greg Roman as offensive coordinator, signaling a dedication to the running game and trip back to offenses of 20 years ago. Chargers fans who had visions of Herbert being seen as an MVP suddenly became worried that the team would forget the generational talent they have at the most important position in sports.
Through the first four games of the 2024 season, those fears were alive and well. Never mind the fact Herbert suffered an ankle injury that impacted his play, he was not throwing the ball.. much at all. Sure, the talent at the skill positions were believed to be subpar as it seemed like the team forgot that they had one of the best quarterbacks in the league under center.
Instead, it was what we all were promised: a lot of running and not much in the passing game. Even when Quentin Johnston suddenly looked like he might actually be competent as a wide receiver, still the team would not let Herbie loose.
Until Sunday.
Chargers finally remember Justin Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL
The Bolts finally remembered that Justin Herbert is a superstar on Sunday. Herbert completed passes to nine different receivers (yes, nine) and threw for 237 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions.
Herbert was mobile in a pocket that was actually clean for most of the game despite all of the offensive injuries. No.10 and the offense simply beat up on their AFC West rivals.
The team finally let Herbert cook, while also staying consistent in the running game, showing that balance is possible instead of the predictable run-centric offense that fans saw in the first four games of the year.
The game was emphatically over when the Chargers went on a 19-play drive that ate up over 10 minutes of the game, mixing both the run game and the passing game. Ladd McConkey, who will need an ice bath, Johnston, Kimani Vidal, J.K. Dobbins, Josh Palmer and Will Dissly all helped to contribute with catches. When the Broncos attempted a fourth-quarter comeback is was too little, too late.
The Bolts finally brought their franchise out of the quarterback protection program and let him loose in the Mile High City. Going forward, we need to see more of that now that Herbert is healthy. Yes, stay balanced. But damn it, Justin Herbert is elite, and Sunday’s game proved it.
Perhaps then Justin Herbert and the LA Chargers will finally get the respect that they deserve.