theathleticuk
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is growing increasingly comfortable within coordinator Mike McDaniel's new offensive scheme, a development that was on full display during a three-play stretch in Thursday's training camp session at The Bolt. The sequence featured three consecutive completions over the middle of the field, all executed with precise timing against the second-team defense in 11-on-11 drills.
On first down, Herbert used play-action and connected with receiver Quentin Johnston on an in-breaking route. The next snap saw Herbert again fake a handoff, take a shortened drop, and fire a dart to Tre Harris on a shallower in-breaker. On third down, Herbert dropped straight back without play action, took a single comfortable hop, and delivered an easy completion to Ladd McConkey, who had separated from cornerback Deane Leonard at the top of his route.
The sequence highlighted a key component of McDaniel's offense: timing. McDaniel wants Herbert to release the ball quickly to give receivers space after the catch while also reducing hits on the quarterback, who led the NFL in hits taken last season. To facilitate this, Herbert altered his shotgun footwork during the offseason, now setting up with his left foot forward instead of his right. This adjustment allows him to be in a throwing stance almost immediately upon receiving the snap from center Tyler Biadasz.
Simultaneously, receivers have worked to master route landmarks to synchronize their breaks with Herbert's drops. Throughout the spring, the results were uneven due to the many changes, but now the timing appears more polished than at any point since McDaniel took over in January. Herbert spent the summer break in Oregon honing his footwork and timing, including throwing sessions with his brother Patrick, a tight end with the Jacksonville Jaguars. "You just get to the point where you're not thinking about it," Herbert said of the footwork changes. "You go out to practice, and you're just throwing the ball."
Key Analysis
The Chargers' offense is showing signs of cohesion as Herbert and his receivers build chemistry. The emphasis on quick, timing-based throws should help protect Herbert while enabling playmakers to gain yards after the catch. However, the true test will come when the team dons pads on August 4 in San Diego, allowing for a more accurate evaluation of the offensive line and running game.
In other camp news, edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu participated in individual drills after sitting out Wednesday entirely but left for the weight room during team drills, remaining in contract-extension negotiations with the team. Running back Keaton Mitchell impressed with a deep catch in seven-on-seven and a speed run to the edge. The safety competition behind Derwin James Jr. features Tony Jefferson and R.J. Mickens splitting third-safety reps, while at cornerback, Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, and Cam Hart are vying for two outside spots when James moves to nickel. Still had an interception Wednesday, and Hart logged two pass breakups Thursday. At left guard, the rotation shifted as Trevor Penning took reps with the starters after Kayode Awosika, while rookie Jake Slaughter worked at center with the second team. Rookie receiver Brenen Thompson has made explosive plays in both practices, and Herbert praised him, saying, "He's going to be very good. He's going to make a lot of plays for us."
Originally reported by theathleticuk.