Mike McDaniel’s offense could unlock an overlooked part of Justin Herbert’s game. While designed runs won’t become the norm, Herbert’s athleticism and willingness to take easy yards could add another dimension to an already dangerous Chargers offense in 2026.
One of the more intriguing storylines for the Chargers heading into the 2026 season is whether Justin Herbert will become more of a threat with his legs under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. That doesn’t mean anyone should expect a dramatic increase in designed quarterback runs, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Herbert’s mobility becomes a bigger part of the offense.
Herbert has always been an underrated athlete. Despite standing 6-foot-6, he moves exceptionally well for his size and has shown throughout his career that he can pick up crucial first downs when plays break down. The problem hasn’t been his ability to run. It’s been how rarely the Chargers have taken advantage of it.
That could change under McDaniel.
McDaniel’s offensive philosophy has always centered around efficiency and forcing defenses into difficult decisions. Motion, play-action and misdirection are staples of his system, creating hesitation from defenders and opening running lanes that aren’t always available in more traditional offenses. While much of the attention has been on how Herbert will fit into McDaniel’s passing concepts, the quarterback’s ability to extend plays with his legs could quietly become another valuable element.
This doesn’t mean the Chargers will suddenly ask Herbert to run like Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen. Protecting the franchise quarterback will remain the top priority. Instead, the expectation should be that Herbert becomes more willing to take the easy yards when defenses give them to him.
That has been an area where Herbert has occasionally left opportunities on the field. His confidence in his arm has often led him to hold onto the football while searching for a throw downfield. Under McDaniel, taking five or six yards with his legs instead of forcing a difficult pass could become a much bigger emphasis.
McDaniel has also spent the offseason working with Herbert on his footwork and timing within the offense. Cleaner mechanics and quicker decision-making should naturally make Herbert more comfortable escaping the pocket when protection breaks down instead of remaining stationary while waiting for routes to develop.
The personnel surrounding Herbert should also help. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt entering the season healthy, Tyler Biadasz taking over at center and a running game expected to remain a major part of the offense, defenses won’t be able to simply tee off on obvious passing situations. Add in playmakers like Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris, David Njoku and Oronde Gadsden, and opposing defenses will have plenty to account for before worrying about Herbert scrambling.
The result may not be a massive jump in rushing attempts, but it could lead to more timely runs that keep drives alive. Third downs, in particular, are where Herbert has the opportunity to make the biggest impact. If linebackers turn their backs in coverage or the middle of the field opens up, there will be little reason not to take the free first down.
Herbert doesn’t need to become one of the league’s top rushing quarterbacks for his legs to make a difference. If McDaniel can convince him to take advantage of those opportunities a few more times each game, it could add another layer to an offense that already has the potential to be one of the NFL’s most dangerous.
Sometimes the simplest play is also the most effective. For Herbert and the Chargers, that may be exactly what McDaniel is looking to unlock.
