When the Los Angeles Chargers hired Greg Roman to be their offensive coordinator last year, many fans feared the worst for Justin Herbert. It wasn’t that Roman wasn’t qualified, but the fact of the matter is, Roman’s offenses lean heavily on the run.
So, would Herbert be able to truly flourish under Roman’s leadership? That was the big question. The 2024 season had plenty of reasons why Roman wouldn’t let Herbert really sling it, but after just one week this year, things have changed.
After just one week into the 2025 season, the ceiling of this Chargers offense looks much higher, as does the ceiling for Herbert’s total output. What we saw Herbert accomplish against the Chiefs was nothing short of superhero-like.
Greg Roman might be ready to let Justin Herbert unleash down the field
Of course, this is a very small sample size. But, let’s talk about what Herbert did against Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. We’re talking about a defensive coordinator who knows Herbert well, and is one of the best there is.
2024 Season (avg.) | Week 1 vs. KC | |
|---|---|---|
Passing Yards | 227.6/game | 318 |
Yards per Attempt | 7.7 | 9.4 |
Intended Air Yards per Attempt | 8.6 | 10.1 |
20+ Yard Completions | 3.17/game | 4 |
30+ Yard Completions | 1.12/game | 2 |
If we’re talking about Herbert unleashing the ball more often, let’s take last year’s intended air yards per attempt into consideration. In 2024, that number sat at 8.6. Against the Chiefs in Week 1, Herbert averaged 10.1 intended air yards per attempt, per Pro Football Reference.
Looking at his career average of 7.5 in this category, it’s clear Herbert was able to take more shots against Kansas City.
The proof is abounding. Last season, Herbert averaged about three completions of 20-plus yards per game. Against the Chiefs, he had four. The same trend goes for completions of 30-plus yards. In 2024, Herbert averaged about one of those per game. Against Kansas City, Friday night, he had two.
This is indicative of a few things. First of all, Herbert is healthy. He’s no longer nursing that ankle sprain or plantar fasciitis. Last year’s wide receiver core was also horrendous outside of Ladd McConkey, who was also in his rookie season.
Quentin Johnston looks like he is finally figuring things out. McConkey is still McConkey and Keenan Allen is back. Herbert has what he needs for Roman to let him go.
At the moment, it looks like Roman is indeed going to let Herbert rip it, and justifiably so. For the Chargers to have sustained success, they have to let Herbert off the leash as much as possible.