Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has not suddenly become incapable of processing an NFL offense. The issue is whether Mike McDaniel’s system has put Herbert in a position to succeed during a 0-6 start marked by protection breakdowns, turnovers and an undermanned receiving corps.
Locked On Chargers host Daniel Wade pushed back on anonymous criticism of Herbert’s intelligence, while acknowledging the early evidence points to an awkward schematic fit. The NFL lists Herbert with 1,141 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, 8 interceptions and 21 sacks through six games, numbers that underline how far the offense has drifted from expectations.
Wade said the criticism has arrived conveniently after the Chargers’ winless opening, but he did not dismiss every concern around the offense. He argued that McDaniel has not found the version of his scheme that best suits Herbert, even as coaches from the Shanahan-McVay tree have often adjusted their systems around their quarterbacks.
Locked On Chargers co-host David Droegemeier called the intelligence narrative baseless, citing Herbert’s reputation for learning offenses and processing information on the field. The distinction matters for the Chargers: a scheme-fit problem can be addressed through a simplified playbook, altered concepts and better personnel support; a supposed inability to handle the system would suggest a far more fundamental issue.
The tape’s larger indictment falls on the environment around Herbert. Wade and Droegemeier pointed to an offensive line that has failed to protect him, a receiver group short on dependable separators and an offseason approach they believe left too much pressure on McDaniel’s scheme to mask roster shortcomings. NFL reporting this week said the team is considering reducing the volume of plays in its offense after repeated alignment issues and noted Herbert has absorbed heavy pressure during the skid.
Herbert’s next stretch should clarify whether the Chargers can make practical adjustments during the bye week. The offense does not need to prove an anonymous evaluator wrong with a theoretical debate; it needs cleaner communication, faster answers against pressure and a system that turns Herbert’s arm talent into efficient production.
The bye gives Los Angeles time to decide whether to trim McDaniel’s installation, reinforce the protection plan, or make changes to both. Herbert remains the franchise’s central asset, and the most urgent task is building an offense that stops asking him to overcome every flaw around him.
Chargers News and Notes
– Wade and Droegemeier debated a possible trade for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Wade viewed it as a potential long-term talent play if the price falls, instead of a move that would rescue the current season. Droegemeier argued the Chargers should preserve future assets for a broader rebuild.
– The hosts agreed the receiving room needs a premium investment, even if the roster has too many holes to devote multiple early draft selections to the position. They identified wide receiver Ladd McConkey as the lone established building block in the group, while arguing the team needs a bigger, more reliable No. 1 option to help Herbert get the ball out faster.
– Droegemeier rejected the idea that keeping Greg Roman would have made the Chargers a contender this season. He pointed to the former coordinator’s red-zone and late-season scoring issues. The hosts instead said Jim Harbaugh’s team must become cleaner on third down, protect the football and establish the physical identity it has not consistently shown.
More on the Los Angeles Chargers
- The Chargers Have Lost One of Their Wide Receivers
- Chiefs, Chargers Bracing for NFL Punishment After Heated Incident
- Chargers NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Things Are Looking Very Grim
- NFL Insider Names Veteran Chargers Star as a Possible Trade Candidate
Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
