Chargers beat writer Daniel Popper writes that QB Justin Herbert is "finding his rhythm" in new OC Mike McDaniel's offense.
What They're Saying
Here’s Popper explaining the new offensive approach under McDaniel.
“Timing is essential in McDaniel’s scheme. McDaniel wants Herbert to release the ball as quickly as possible. The primary objective is to give receivers room to create after the catch. The byproduct is limiting hits on Herbert, who was hit more than any quarterback in the NFL last season.”
Herbert, meanwhile, said he has made progress with a footwork adjustment designed to help him get the ball out quicker.
“You just get to the point where you’re not thinking about it,” Herbert said of the footwork changes. “You go out to practice, and you’re just throwing the ball. And now you can worry on (throwing) mechanics — ‘How am I throwing the ball? Where is it going?’ — routes and things like that. As opposed to months ago, it was making sure that your feet are lined up with the routes, timing. So there was a lot that went into it. But now it’s just playing football.”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact
The Chargers have surrounded Herbert with a deep pass-catching unit that includes Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, plus perhaps the league's deepest TE group of Oronde Gadsden, David Njoku, and Charlie Kolar. The O-line looks like a potential strength, too, as long as OTs Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater can stay on the field after injuries disrupted their 2025.
It all leaves Herbert -- who tallied five top-five fantasy finishes last year -- in an excellent spot for growth. He’s a viable fantasy target with his Sleeper ADP in Round 8 as the QB9.
