With The First Pick
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Justin Herbert shines in NFL debut for Los Angeles Chargers

By Surae Poole

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers stands behind center against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at SoFi Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers stands behind center against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at SoFi Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Justin Herbert showed brilliant sparks in his Chargers debut

Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert was supposed to have a redshirt year and learn on the bench behind the veteran Tyrod Taylor for the Los Angeles Chargers. Ladies and gentlemen throw that idea out because Herbert shined in his first career start in the NFL against the reigning 2019 Super Bowl champions after being selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Taylor went down with a chest injury during pre-game warmups and Herbert was thrown into action with no more than 10 seconds notice. 

Herbert’s first drive was a beauty as he made a huge throw on 3rd and 4 to Austin Ekeler to set them up for a 1st and goal. The very next play he shows the athleticism and mobility and gets the very first rushing touchdown of his career.

He also showed the arm talent and eye manipulation as he looked off the Chiefs secondary and threw a laser in the corner of the endzone to Jalen Guyton for the first passing touchdown of his career. By far his best throw of the day come on a 3rd and 10 to Keenan Allen in the third quarter. Herbert threw a dime in the middle of the field that made me raise my eyebrows a bit. It felt like Justin was growing up right before my eyes.

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Where Justin Herbert can still improve

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He was 22-of-33 with 311 passing yards but there were significant growing pains from the rookie quarterback. At one point the Chargers were leading the Chiefs 17-9 in the third quarter, moving the ball down the field. On 2nd and 2, Herbert is rolling out to his left and could’ve easily run for the first down to keep the drive alive. Instead, he throws a deep ball into double coverage that was intercepted.

The decision making will need to improve and that will come with experience on the field. Small rookie mental mistakes are expected from the rookie and it was noticeable on Sunday. There was a delay of game due to poor clock management by Herbert, and he’s still holding the ball too long on occasions and taking unnecessary sacks. He missed some throws towards the sideline as well. I’m nitpicking here but overall; it was a very exciting performance from the rookie quarterback.

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However overall, a rookie in the second week of the season thrust into action with limited notice would not be expected to fair that well against the Chiefs. While head coach Anthony Lynn has stated Taylor will start if healthy, it will be hard to deny Herbert another chance to improve after his performance on Sunday.

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