Justin Herbert and the Chargers Veer Happily Off Course

Still, Lynn has been wary of overloading the rookie with too many tempting offensive dares. He said that Philip Rivers, the former Chargers quarterback, used to go to the line of scrimmage with three different options for plays, too much to expect from a rookie. Instead, Herbert is asked to review his first, second and third passing options within one play call, based on his read of the defense.

So far, Herbert has shown the ability to gamble safely with the offense entrusted to him, racking up a 67.4 percent completion rate and a four-to-one ratio of touchdowns to interceptions.

“He throws the deep ball real well, throws the intermediate stuff well, he’s obviously very athletic,” said Vic Fangio, coach of the Denver Broncos, who face the Chargers on Sunday. “They’ve done a good job coaching him and adapting their offense to his skill set.”

Another part of Herbert’s development was left purposefully uncomplicated: his time off the field. Having grown up in Eugene, Ore., within a mile of his college stadium and with two brothers who doubled as his workout partners in the off-season, Herbert has tried to re-create that cocoon in Southern California. Despite his $610,000 salary and $4.2 million signing bonus, he shares a house with two other rookies, including one from the practice squad. His diet hasn’t changed much either, still relying heavily on Subway sandwiches and Domino’s pizzas.

What has changed, though, is Herbert’s growing list of accomplishments and, with them, the attention. Just don’t expect him to crow about it.

“I don’t think I’ve changed my game any,” he said. “I think I’ve just kind of grown and developed and I have a better understanding of the game.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/30/sports/football/justin-herbert-chargers.html