The Chargers are bringing in Mike McDaniel to get over the hump in the AFC. If recent history is any indication, no one looks set to benefit more than Justin Herbert.
It looks all set for Justin Herbert to have his best offensive season in an already impressive career. Mastermind Mike McDaniel, one of the brightest names in the market as both Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, will decline at least one HC offer to lead the Chargers offense.
The McDaniel effect on Tua
Tua Tagovailoa is forever linked to Herbert after being taken one spot ahead of him in the draft. When McDaniel came to town, Tagovailoa immediately went on to have his two best seasons, leading the league in impressive categories. In 2022, he threw for 25 touchdowns in only 13 games, leading the league with an impressive 105.5 passer rating. He backed it right up the next year, where he led the league in passing yards at 4624, 29 touchdowns, and in a rarity for him, he played all 17 games.
The size of the dog in the fight
One difference between Tagovailoa and Herbert is simply physical stature. Herbert is a full 5 inches taller, which allows for better pocket presence, throwing lanes, and protection from injuries. Tagovailoa has received hits that almost ended his career, and while Herbert got banged up behind a woeful, injury-plagued offensive line, he was still standing at the end of the year. At the same time, Herbert is more mobile and athletic than Tagovailoa, leading the league in scramble yards and coming in second to only Josh Allen in quarterback rushing yards.
Will Herbert be an MVP candidate?
Tagovailoa made his only Pro Bowl appearance under McDaniel when he led the league in passing. Should the Chargers shore up their offensive line and give the passing game an extra weapon on the perimeter, the sky seems to be the limit. One huge help for Tagovailoa was the ability of McDaniel to design plays and give him the freedom to go deep. McDaniel's abilities on offense are unquestioned, and with Jim Harbaugh in the head spot, he'll be free and empowered to focus on getting Herbert over the hump.
Will McDaniel be enough?
The Chargers have been in win-now mode since acquiring Harbaugh, and Herbert has also been paid as a top quarterback. They'll need to parlay this partnership into playoff wins sooner rather than later. The leadership of the organization is too competitive to be patient, and that's why they have now gone all-in on McDaniel as well. Could he be the bolt of energy needed in L.A?