"Justin Herbert concentrates on forthcoming endeavors, disregarding playoff setbacks"
'Justin Herbert's Bounce-back Season Ahead
With Chargers, QB's Determined Nature Shines
Justin Herbert can't help but smirk when he's asked about the crushing wild-card loss that left the Chargers winless in playoffs since 2018. Sidelined and shell-shocked in Houston, the quarterback has moved on. Offseasons have a magical way of doing that, he says.
"I ain't gonna sit around and whine about a loss like that," Herbert declared at Chargers minicamp as he face-planted jokes with reporters. "Obviously it didn't go the way we wanted it to. But hey, it's over. Time to focus on what's next."
And what's next is a new season, filled with high hopes and a re-energized team spirit. Despite the tough loss, Herbert maintained that his offseason has been standard business.
Riding the Wave
Herbert's stone-faced expression belied the typical offseason lines he rattled off. The rookies were picking up the offense swimmingly. He was determined to polish his skills under coach Jim Harbaugh's tutelage in his second season.
But don't be fooled by his laid-back demeanor. Herbert saves his fire for the practice field and weight room, where his grit has earned him a spot in Harbaugh's "Elite Nine" club of hard workers.
Meet the Players
Rashawn Slater's return was the highlight of Chargers minicamp, as the offensive line got down to business. On the hunt for more weapons to propel a stuttering offense ranked 20th in the NFL last season, the Chargers added some new faces.
Running back Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton impressed with their athleticism and instincts. Tight end Oronde Gadsden, a converted wide receiver, showed off his catching capabilities, leading the team during team drills. Free-agent acquisition Tyler Conklin joins to bolster the tight end position, bringing with him four consecutive seasons of 50 catches or more.
The biggest offseason move was the reunion with Mike Williams. After a year apart, the 6-foot-4 receiver returned to the Chargers on a one-year deal. "[Mike] changes the way you play football when he's on your team," Herbert praised.
The Wide Receivers
Last season, Ladd McConkey was the only consistent force among the wide receivers. However, the rest of the crew combined for a modest 5 receptions and 45 yards. Still seeking their first playoff win, Herbert completed a career-low 43.7% of his passes and was sacked four times.
Getting Mike Williams and newcomers Tre' Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith on the field promises to open up a more aggressive deep passing game, according to offensive coordinator Greg Roman. But the pressure is on Quentin Johnston to live up to the billing of a former first-round pick.
Johnston, in his third year, is expected to take a major step forward this season. After a disappointing rookie year, he found his groove last season, tallying 711 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns. But he struggled in the playoffs, with no catches on five targets in the wild-card loss.
Gearing Up for the New Season
Despite the offseason, Johnston had to learn a second offense in as many seasons in the NFL. But now, he's "starting to come out of the other end of the tunnel," Roman said. "Justin, he's throwing to him a lot, and Q's answering the call."
So here's to a new season, a new start, and maybe, just maybe, a playoff win for the Chargers. With Herbert's indomitable spirit, a host of new players, and the Chargers' signature run-first approach, the team is set to make some noise in the NFL this year.
- Justin Herbert, despite the disappointing playoff loss in Los Angeles, California, is focused on the upcoming NFL season with the Chargers.
- Rashawn Slater's return and new additions like Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton, Oronde Gadsden, Tyler Conklin, and Mike Williams are expected to strengthen the Chargers' offense, ranked 20th in the NFL last season.
- Tight end Tyler Conklin, with four consecutive seasons of 50 catches or more, joins the Chargers to bolster the tight end position.
- Quentin Johnston, the former first-round pick, is expected to take a significant step forward this season, following a disappointing rookie year and a subpar performance in the playoffs.
