Recent reports suggest Chargers may see completely different Justin Herbert

It goes without saying that Justin Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in the entire NFL. After all, having Herbert under center is a big reason why the LA Chargers were able to hire Jim Harbaugh this offseason in the first place.

Harbaugh has raved over his new quarterback ever since he was announced as the head coach of the Chargers, and how can you blame him? Very few quarterbacks in the league have the physical tools mixed with the brainpower Herbert has under center.

As good as Herbert has been, it feels as if there is another level he can take his game with good coaching. Herbert has not really been in the best situations throughout his four-year career and if Harbaugh can bring stability then Herbert will have a chance to thrive.

He may thrive in new ways, as well. In addition to being a robot quarterback who has a rocket attached to his right shoulder, Herbert is also sneakily one of the best athletes at the quarterback position. According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the new coaching staff has taken notice of his athleticism, which could lead to a whole new Herbert in 2024.

"Let’s get the easy part out of the way first—Justin Herbert has blown away the new regime in Los Angeles. The size, arm strength and ability to move, of course, they knew about. What they’ve seen for themselves, though, is more than just that. First, it’s Herbert’s aptitude. The speed with which he’s picked up Greg Roman’s offense has reflected a very fast study, a maniacal worker or (and most likely) both. Second, his athleticism, and specifically ability to run and pull away from other great athletes in the open field, has been eye-opening—and tantalizing for a staff that knows how to threaten a defense with a mobile quarterback."

Chargers may use Justin Herbert as a mobile quarterback in 2024 and beyond

It is clear new offensive coordinator Greg Roman was brought in to fix the running game in Los Angeles. Despite having Austin Ekeler, the Chargers have had one of the least effective rushing attacks in the entire sport in recent years.

Roman, as the former architect of the Baltimore Ravens offense, knows what it takes to install an effective rushing attack. That, in turn, will make Herbert's life easier under center and will take some of the weight off his shoulders

But now it is clear that Herbert might be part of that solution as well. Chargers fans have seen instances where Herbert has used his legs to extend plays and drive the offense downfield and in 2024, that might be much more common.

After all, if there is any staff that can unlock this part of Herbert it is this staff. That is not to say that he will suddenly be Lamar Jackson, but Herbert may completely change the perception of him by showing he can hurt teams with his legs, too.

Whatever it takes to win football games. Whether it is throwing the ball 50 times or only running it. All Chargers fans want moving forward is a competitive football team that can win games.

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