Chargers TC: Herbert’s deal raises expectations  

COSTA MESA (News4usonline) – The Los Angeles Chargers have a lot of expectations for the 2023 NFL season. The bar was raised on those expectations the moment the team signed quarterback Justin Herbert’s extension to a multi-year deal on the eve of training camp. 

With Herbert signing a reportedly five-year extension, the Chargers have effectively locked up their franchise signal-caller all the way through 2029. The move my Chargers will now remove a potential distraction to now Herbert and the rest of the team can play ball-full and freely. 

“I think it’s huge because now our focus is on football,” Herbert said on the first day of training camp. “It’s to be the best football team that we can be. It’s not going to be a distraction for us. I’m just so thankful for those guys out there who have supported me along the way. I’m not here without them. Now, the focus is back on them. We’re worried about playing football and being the best Chargers team that we can be.” 

Herbert unleashed might be a scary thought for the rest of the NFL. In just three seasons, Herbert has already thrown for 14,089 yards,  94 touchdowns and established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. 

In his first three seasons, Herbert’s passing completion rates hit 66 percent in his rookie year, 65 percent during his sophomore campaign, and increased to over 68 percent in 2022. Getting the extension completed before training camp comes as a relief for Herbert, he admitted. 

“I think I just get to play football now,” said Herbert. “I think that’s the best part about it, is that I get to play free. I get to play fearless. We go out there and get to play our type of ball. I know when we’re playing at our best, we’re a tough team. These next couple of weeks of getting together, working together. I think they’re going to be huge for us. We’re going to show a lot of improvement.” 

The first line of improvement for Herbert and the Chargers is holding on to a lead in the postseason if they are able to get there. Herbert guided the Chargers to the postseason last year, only to see the Jacksonville Jaguars stage an improbable comeback for a 28-27 AFC Wild Card win. No doubt the defeat to the Jaguars left a nasty taste in the mouths of the Chargers.  

The Chargers, however, seem to have put that loss in the rearview mirror and are looking forward to making the most out of this season. Keeping Herbert upright so can continue to fire the ball to wide receivers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, and newcomer Quentin Johnston will certainly help. 

“I think one of the things is just to make sure that we’re throwing the ball down the field and, taking those shots,” Herbert said. “We have those guys on the outside that are able to make those plays. My role as a quarterback is to get them the ball and put them in a position to win. When you have guys like Keenan [Allen], Mike [Williams], Q [Johnston], and Josh [Palmer],  you’re going to be able to throw the ball downfield. To get them the ball, I think that’s my main priority.”   

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley talked about the impact of the team signing Herbert to the extension. 

“We’re so fortunate. I think that the history of this team will tell you that this franchise knows how to find quarterbacks — when you go all of the way back to [Hall of Fame QB] Dan Fouts and Stan Humphries, Philip Rivers and Drew Brees, and, now, Justin — we’re very, very fortunate,” Staley said. “To have a young player leading your team that is made up of all the right stuff, most importantly, and then, who can play the game like few who have ever played the position can, it’s just really exciting for us.” 

On the other side of the ball, safety Derwin James expressed his happiness for Herbert.

“So excited for him. I’ve seen how hard he’s been working, every year, day in and day out. Couldn’t have happened to a better guy. We’re just so excited for him, we know he’s going to lead us to great places,” James said.