Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is one of NFL's best signal callers this year.
What does an Most Valuable Player that plays the quarterback position look like? According to Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, "It looks like the guy that plays for us." The mythology surrounding Justin Herbert is brewing. Herbert is a genuine article. The NFL's greatest players, particularly quarterbacks, have helped teammates raise their game. They inspire players on the fringe of the roster to raise their level of play. They imbue teammates to believe that victory is within their clutches in the face of adversity. Herbert has been a steadying force when the season looked to become unhinged and gone awry.
Last Sunday, fans at Sofi Stadium got to witness Herbert who led the Chargers to a 37-21 victory over the New York Giants and make history in the process.
Without the established products in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, after losing Austin Ekeler to an ankle injury, Herbert became the first player in NFL history to record 30 touchdowns in each of his first two seasons.
Herbert dazzled fans and teammates with his Howitzer of an arm. On third-and-11, after being sacked and 29 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Herbert connected on a 59-yard bomb with Jalen Guyton.
Guyton ran unimpeded, splitting the two-high safeties, and dazzled Chargers fans with his blistering speed into the endzone. The throw highlighted a tremendous first half for Herbert, who went 16-of-22 for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Herbert finished 23-of-31 for 275 yards and three touchdowns.
The Chargers had a short turnaround for their next game. They played Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs last Thursday. Fans of the NFL were in for a treat when Herbert and Mahomes duel for dominance of the AFC West and jockeying for position when two of the league's best quarterbacks battle.
Los Angeles rallied for a game-winning drive in the final minute and handed the Chiefs a 30-24 loss in Arrowhead Stadium earlier this season.
The Chargers have elite talent at quarterback, and they know it. "Fans are just like me and you," Staley said. "They know something special when they see it."
Follow Eric on Twitter @elambsquared and IG @elamb5quared.
Reader Comments(0)