Chargers: QB Justin Herbert has clear path to Rookie of the Year

After hesitation, the Chargers have named Justin Herbert their starter

We knew it was coming, even if head coach Anthony Lynn and the Chargers were a bit mum at first. However, it has finally been made official, as 2020 NFL Draft sixth overall pick Justin Herbert has been named the permanent starting quarterback moving forward over veteran Tyrod Taylor.

Since taking over for Taylor after his freak medical situation where his lung was punctured during a routine injection, Herbert has been lighting it up for the Chargers. While the Chargers have gone 0-3 through the start to Herbert’s career, he has tossed for over 300 yards in every start, taking both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers down to the wire.

Can Justin Herbert stay hot?

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Herbert will face a massive test in the brutal defensive front of the Washington Football Team, including five first round picks. However, against the Buccaneers, Herbert displayed immense poise to stand in the face of pressure and deliver a strike down the field. Should he have the time to throw, he should have no problem picking apart the weak Washington secondary.

After Washington, the Chargers will host the rudderless New York Jets, another matchup which should be favorable to Herbert and Los Angeles. The Chargers will then end a four game stint with the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars before getting back into division play. Herbert has not only the potential to stay hot, but go on a four week terror before going against his AFC West rival Las Vegas Raiders.

Herbert a real Rookie of the Year candidate

This is an extremely favorable schedule, and should Herbert push through as he is expected to, then not only will the rookie out of Oregon have a firm grasp on the starting job for the future, but will find his name in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

For now, however, and taking it one day at a time, Herbert prepares for Washington. With Chase Young in front of him, Herbert has a chance to make history in his rookie season with the Chargers. Only time will tell if he can live up to the potential the rocket attached to his shoulder give him.