Herbert will be entering his seventh season with the Bolts and is coming off a season in which he recorded 3,727 yards on 66.4% of his throws, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in just 16 games played. He also ran for 498 yards and two touchdowns on 83 attempts with four fumbles. However, the former Oregon Duck had a career-high 54 sacks behind a constantly rotating offensive line.
I think you have a competitive player who tries to get better at his craft every year. I think he hasn’t gotten close to the limit of what he’s capable of doing yet, he can make all the shots. But as a competitor, you can tell he enjoys the National Football League and the franchise quarterback, all the burden that comes with the responsibility of touching the ball every play and the need to give his best when necessary. That’s something I’m always looking for in players in general, how they perform after halftime. There are many things we can be capable of with him at the helm. Extremely excited for that opportunity.
McDaniel continued his praise when asked what his plan is for Herbert to elevate his game to a new level next season, saying he intends to create a system that will allow the entire offense to continually develop their skills in the latter parts of the year.
I think with a skill set like Justin’s, you can do a lot of things on the ground and in the air that can really put defenses in a bind. I think there are a lot of tools available, I think it’s important to have a good offseason, which we plan to do, and I think what you’re working on is something that will be unique. I’m excited to see where the offense goes and how it evolves through the skills of these players.
The most important thing is that we want to create an offensive system where guys can really highlight their skills, evolve their game and be the best in December and January, which is the goal when playing elimination games. Whether you’re playing to make the playoffs or you’re in the playoffs, we’re going to have an offense that evolves to the point where our most efficient self and our best self will be then, with these young players that we have here.
While McDaniel brings a fresh and exciting offensive mind to the Chargers’ offensive attack, there is plenty of work to do in the offseason to turn the Bolts into a true contender next fall, including adding to the offensive line and creating depth at skill positions.
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This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: New Chargers OC Mike McDaniel unveils plan for QB Justin Herbert