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Nov 8, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 8, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Chargers finished the 2020 NFL regular season with a 7-9 record. They were third in the AFC West behind Jon Gruden’s Las Vegas Raiders. However, rookie quarterback Justin Herbert was one of the few bright lights in an otherwise mediocre Chargers offense.
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Nov 22, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) celebrates with head coach Anthony Lynn after throwing a touchdown pass against the New York Jets in the second quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Former HC Anthony Lynn was forced to give Herbert his debut in Week 2 of the season itself against defending champions, Kansas City Chiefs. Herbert has thrown for 4,336 yards with 31 passing touchdowns to his name against 10 interceptions. He was rewarded for his displays with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2020.
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After the sacking of HC Anthony Lynn, the Chargers brought in former LA Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley in the offseason. But they also made few changes in the coaching department, bringing in experienced Saints QB coach Joe Lombardi.
ALSO READ – “Patrick Mahomes Was Running for His Life” – Analyst Lauds Buccaneers Defense After Super Bowl Win
Chargers QB Justin Herbert eager to step up his game in 2021
It's just the beginning for OROY Justin Herbert 👏
(via @Chargers)pic.twitter.com/4ONgOEYwLX
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 7, 2021
OROY Justin Herbert was definitely one of the surprise packages of the season. But he intends to do improve that on that display when the 2021 season starts. How? Well, he wants to develop a strong rapport with newly-appointed offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi.
The latter spent 12 years in New Orleans as quarterback coach to Saints veteran Drew Brees.
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When asked if he would pick on the brain of the former Super Bowl winner, Herbert replied, “Drew is definitely one of those guys I plan to reach out to. He’s been able to do it all. I’m going to try not to bother them too much. I’ve got a bunch of questions about how to watch film, how to prepare for defenses. There are things that I can always get better at.”
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Dec 27, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks on prior to a game against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“These guys have had so much success. If I didn’t ask them, that’s on me. It’s an opportunity for me to learn from them. I’ll definitely be reaching out. I’ve talked to a couple of them already,” Herbert told LA Times.
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Lombardi’s first stint as OC with Detroit Lions ended on a sour note. He will look to improve upon that with Herbert at his disposal. The 23-year-old quarterback has great potential. However, he definitely needs time to develop in a league as competitive as the NFL.
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