Every so often, Chargers middle Corey Linsley will marvel how the ball presumably might have traveled from Justin Herbert’s hand to its eventual vacation spot. The seek for solutions often prompts Linsley to boost his eyes skyward, within the course of the oval-shaped video board that's suspended from SoFi Stadium’s translucent ceiling.
“We’re all the time watching replays if one thing occurs,” Linsley mentioned with amusing.
Sufficient occurred Sunday for the 120-yard-long digital show to be renamed HerbertVision, the third-year quarterback passing for 279 yards and three touchdowns within the Chargers’ season-opening, 24-19 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The story of the sport was how the Chargers’ revamped protection intercepted three of Derek Carr’s passes and registered six sacks, together with three by newcomer Khalil Mack.
However let’s be clear: The first purpose the Chargers have any probability of reaching the Tremendous Bowl is Herbert, who's now in his third 12 months of creating the extraordinary really feel routine.
On the danger at sounding repetitive, Herbert actually can play.
He’s the most effective quarterback in a metropolis by which the opposite NFL group is the defending Tremendous Bowl champion. Now in his third 12 months, he very properly may very well be the most effective quarterback in your entire league.
Reflecting on Herbert’s efficiency, security Derwin James Jr. ended up arguing with himself over which of the Professional Bowler’s passes have been the most effective.
James initially pointed to a 42-yard completion within the second quarter by which Herbert delivered the ball down the precise sideline over two retreating defenders to Keenan Allen, who had a security closing in on him from the wrong way.
James shortly reconsidered and provided one other potential selection: A 23-yard landing strike to DeAndre Carter that break up a double group later in the identical quarter.
“That was a dot proper there,” James mentioned.
Carter had changed Allen, who departed the sport with a strained hamstring.
If Herbert displayed his precision on the ball to Allen and arm power on the throw to Carter, his athleticism and improvisational items have been demonstrated on an 18-yard landing cross to Gerald Everett within the third quarter.
Herbert was flushed to his left on a busted play. Pursued by security Johnathan Abram, Herbert opened up his throwing shoulder and unleashed a throw down the sideline to Everett’s again shoulder. The position was vital, as security Roderic Teamer was between Everett and the top zone. Everett made the catch and powered his well beyond Teamer.
“I’m amazed each time, man,” James mentioned. “I’m similar to you, man, once I’m watching him play, day-after-day in follow, his day by day habits, and when he will get on the market and slings it with the protection coming at him, I imply, it’s like no different.”
Coach Brandon Staley praised Herbert for the way he managed the sport, taking part in his half to protect what was as soon as a 24-10 lead.
“The very best factor he did was lead our group at present,” Staley mentioned. “He led our group at present and saved our group collectively. Then, to complete with the ball there on the finish of the sport, defending the ball, good operation between him and Corey [Linsley] the entire day.”
Herbert accomplished 26 of 34 passes, none of which have been intercepted. He wasn’t sacked.
If solely Herbert’s on-field persona may very well be mirrored in his postgame information conferences.
Herbert remained his typical low-key self after the sport.
He mentioned of the beforehand talked about completion to Allen, “Two defenders heading with him not wanting again at me, so that you play it as in the event that they’re not there.”
He deflected credit score for his landing cross to Carter to the receiver, saying, “It was an unimaginable catch by him. It was low and he went down for it and caught it.”
Working again Austin Ekeler chuckled when recalling that throw to Carter.
“His cannon sometimes seems to be superb,” Ekeler mentioned of Herbert.
Ekeler talked about the influence of the newcomers resembling Mack, Bryce Callahan, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson.
“The protection obtained turnovers,” Ekeler mentioned, “so that they’re giving us further alternatives.”
And that, in flip, will create extra highlights from Herbert for video board operations to indicate on their 360-degree, two-sided screens. Sunday was the beginning of a busy season for them.
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