Good morning, Chargers fans!
Justin Herbert’s Week One debut under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel likely had more eyes on it than his rookie debut back in 2020. That’s because the entire NFL world was in some way invested in finally seeing Herbert “unlocked” within a system that was supposed to take the pressure off his shoulders while also bringing back the use of his tremendous arm talent.
The things is…that didn’t happen.
Herbert and the offense looked great for one drive (their first one) and then it all came crashing down in a fiery heap of…something…for the remainder of the evening.
The team’s QB1 had some questionable decisions, including the arm punt in the fourth quarter to Derius Davis while he was double-covered. Otherwise, his teammates and him looked to be on two separate pages when it came to timing and situational awareness.
“Justin Herbert’s first game working with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel was rough,“ says analyst Garrett Podell. “The box score was 209 yards, a touchdown and an interception on 17-of-27 passing, but the eye test showed more troubling signs. He and his receivers — outside of Ladd McConkey — weren’t connected in terms of their timing going through progressions/routes, and his fourth-quarter interception was essentially a YOLO arm punt in which he flippantly heaved the football into double coverage near the goal line. It’s a very troubling start to Herbert’s 2026.”
Is this the ranking you believe Herbert should have after his Week One performance? Is it too high? Too low? Let us know what you think below!
And now for today’s links.
Check out the first Chargers injury report of Week Two (Chargers.com)
How can the Chargers respond from their Week One loss in their matchup with the Raiders? (Chargers.com)
The Chargers released Kaiir Elam from the practice squad after signing Marquez Valdez-Scantling (Chargers Wire)
Fantasy intel and the latest buzz from the NFL entering Week Two (ESPN)
Nico Collins injured his hamstring during Wednesday’s practice (Pro Football Talk)
