October 19, 2023

Justin Herbert Needs to Thank the Chargers for a Budding Secret Weapon

The Chargers are the latest team to consider using a secret weapon in their offense. The brilliant play-call by offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt has given Justin Herbert new life, and it’s easy to see why teams are lining up for this young quarterback.

Justin Herbert, the quarterback for the Oregon Ducks football team, needs to thank the San Diego Chargers for a budding secret weapon. The “Chargers Fan Growing Up” is an app that lets you watch your favorite team’s games on your phone or tablet.

After selecting Justin Herbert sixth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers are on the rise. After Philip Rivers bolted for the Indianapolis Colts, the Chargers wasted no time in securing their new franchise quarterback – and what a mistake it was.

However, his first season was a challenge due to many injuries and Anthony Lynn’s ability to drive the squad into the ground. Unfortunately, Lynn is no longer with the team, and rookie head coach Brandon Staley has shown to be an excellent choice. However, the Chargers’ star quarterback owes Tom Telesco a huge thank you letter for a draft selection that will help him secure a long-term career.

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In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Chargers picked Rashawn Slater 13th overall.

Rashawn Slater, the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was a lucky break for the Chargers. Behind Penei Sewell, who went to the Detroit Lions, he was clearly the second-best offensive lineman in the class.

It was a moment of joy for Chargers supporters worldwide, particularly given the offensive line’s total incompetence over the prior decade. With the addition of Slater, the Chargers now have a young star to shield Herbert for the time being.

Slater was expected to be off the board before the Chargers chose, but a stunning fall with Justin Fields and others threw things into disarray.

Slater’s pick has already paid handsomely. Furthermore, there is a startling statistic that speaks well for the Chargers in the future.

The rookie is off to a fast start in the NFL, putting up outstanding numbers in the process.

In every way, Slater’s debut season has been spectacular. Slater is only allowing one pressure per 29 snaps, according to Cris Collinsworth.

He’s risen to the occasion against some of the league’s greatest. The Chargers have faced quality edge rushers such as Chase Young, Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, Matthew Judon, and Micah Parsons throughout the first half of the season.

Slater, on the other hand, has done his bit.

Normally, a first-round pick on an offensive lineman does not result in a crowd frenzy. The Chargers, on the other hand, were in need of a great offensive line prospect, and they got one in Slater.

With Justin Herbert on the rise, acquiring him some strong protection up front was priority 1A and 1B, and the Chargers did more than enough to secure the rookie quarterback’s future.

To protect Justin Herbert, the Chargers revamped their offensive line, and it has paid off.

Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert | Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

The Chargers went all-in on offensive linemen over the summer. This was, to be honest, a first. Time and time again, the front office in Los Angeles (or San Diego) has been preoccupied with something else, resulting in a patchwork offensive line.

Philip Rivers, like Drew Brees, was repeatedly beaten up. Last season, Herbert took a lot of hits and had to cope with a lot of pressure.

The Chargers wanted to do something about it, so they did. They began by inking a massive contract with Pro Bowl center Corey Linsley, then bringing in Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi. Unfortunately, Aboushi’s season was cut short due to an injury.

Nonetheless, LA’s offensive line has performed well.

The offensive line for the Chargers has been revamped.

All three of the newcomers to the line have a grade of at least 80.0.

85.7 Corey Linsley Matt Feiler – 80.9 pic.twitter.com/jpVRZxGpXz Rashawn Slater – 82.2

November 18, 2021 — PFF LA Chargers (@PFF Chargers)

With all of the talent on the roster in LA, things are looking up under Brandon Staley’s leadership. They started 4-1 before losing three of their next four games to fall to 5-4.

Nonetheless, the Chargers are on the right track and have a bright future ahead of them. Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa, Derwin James, Herbert, and Slater provide a strong foundation on which to grow. Don’t forget about Asante Samuel Jr., who is also a 2021 draft pick.

The Chargers’ defense isn’t perfect, but they now have an offensive line that can protect the quarterback, and Slater is a big part of it.

Pro Football Reference provided the statistics.

‘I Don’t Think You’re Going to Find Too Many Better Than Him,’ Bill Belichick says of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

Justin Herbert needs to thank the Chargers for a budding secret weapon. The Chargers are giving Justin Herbert a chance to show what he can do in their offense. Reference: nabers justin herbert.