The failures were unfortunate, glaring and – in the words of offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi – “really silly.”
Twice on Monday, Justin Herbert faced near-instantaneous pressure due to the Chargers’ pass protection failures.
The plays resulted in a short finish and a sack, in total a yard was lost.
But even as his offense receded, Lombardi explained that what Herbert avoided on those plays was far more significant: calamity.
“That is not easy to do,” Lombardi said. “His safety on the ball and keeping a sense of time in mind are just outstanding things.”
Herbert has been in back-to-back games – wins over AFC West rivals Kansas City and Las Vegas – without ever having a turnover.
With 38 attempts by Herbert in each game, the Chiefs and Raiders have blocked him just three times, and that’s because of the quarterback’s ability to make quick decisions and even faster passes.
In Oregon, Herbert was known for being a quarterback who could make plays on the structure. NFL scouts were less convinced of his ability to salvage bad situations.
Since making his debut with the Chargers in the second week of last season, Herbert has repeatedly scoffed at such concerns. He’s been among the best in the league when he’s under pressure or off the script.
“The most impressive thing about him is how fast he processes information,” Lombardi said, “how quickly he gets rid of the ball.”
After the Chargers’ Week 3 win at Kansas City, Lombardi said a late-game situation involving the clock reminded him that Herbert is only in his second season.
On Thursday, Lombardi says the opposite when it comes to Herbert recognizing and solving problems that arise at any given time.
“He looks like a 10-year veteran when you get to that aspect of the game,” Lombardi noted, “he has a great ability to figure out where to throw the ball.”
Last year, before the Chargers played in New Orleans, Lombardi said he met Shane Steichen on the field. At the time, Steichen was the offensive coordinator for the Chargers and Lombardi was an assistant for the Saints.
During their conversation, Lombardi indicated that he asked Steichen when he realized the Chargers had something special about Herbert. The answer: immediately.
“You could tell he had an instinct for who was wide open and where to throw the ball,” Lombardi said. “I do not know how to explain it. It’s quite rare for someone as young as him. “
Herbert will make his 20th NFL starter on Sunday when the Chargers play the Cleveland Browns at SoFi Stadium. He won’t be 24 until March.
Head coach Brandon Staley this week praised his determination and strength in securing the ball when hit, calling Herbert’s calm amid the chaos “Justin’s beauty.”
After some initial problems in the red zone, the Chargers have scored touchdowns in eight of their last 10 trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. One of those failures came when Herbert knelt to finish the game on Monday.
Herbert has seven touchdown passes – to five different receivers – in the past two weeks.
On the season, the Chargers’ offense is four of four at fourth down. Herbert has passed in three of those conversions and has raced in the other.
Since taking over as their starting quarterback, the Chargers are 7-2 – with six wins in a row – when Herbert doesn’t deliver the ball.
“You can’t downplay the importance of him taking care of the ball,” Staley said. “It’s an 11-man operation, but he’s the center of it all.”
Etc.
Defensive back Chris Harris Jr. (shoulder) was fully involved in training, an indication that he will return Sunday after sitting the last three games. … Backup running back Justin Jackson (groin) didn’t practice after being limited Wednesday.
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