Justin Herbert is already snagging MVP votes for the 2026 season, a clear signal that the league is watching what’s brewing in Inglewood. This isn’t just fan hype, either. ESPN’s preseason awards predictions, straight from anonymous NFL coaches and executives, have Herbert right there in the conversation for the top individual award.
The McDaniel Effect Is Real
The buzz for Herbert hit critical mass the moment offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel stepped into the building. After two seasons under Greg Roman, where the Chargers’ offense felt bogged down with too much run-game lean and a seriously anemic passing attack, the hope is clear: McDaniel’s gonna get Herbert back to chucking absolute moonshots. We’re talking about finding *one* wide-open player, not two guys running into the same spot, which apparently was a thing. If that 65-yard touchdown bomb to Quentin Johnston in the preseason finale against the Rams is any indicator, we’re in for a season of fireworks. It’s this exact vibe that has Herbert in the preseason MVP convo, right up there with Joe Burrow and Josh Allen. While Burrow got the nod to win the award in ESPN’s anonymous coach and exec poll, Herbert and Allen definitely ‘received votes.’ As Jeremy Fowler from ESPN laid out, league insiders genuinely value Herbert way more than some internet chatter gives him credit for. One NFC exec put it plainly: “Don’t think he got enough credit for everything he did last year when the OL got decimated by injuries. They get healthy and a proven, creative playcaller that can make his life easier and [offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel] hasn’t had a QB this gifted.”
The Road Less Traveled
Look, the guy’s talent is undeniable. Herbert averaged well over 4,000 yards passing in his first three seasons. But then came 2022, where he missed four games with an injury, wrapping up with just 3,134 yards and 20 touchdowns. That was a big drop from his previous highs of 4,336 yards in 2020 and 22 scores in 2023, all during the rough final season of the Brandon Staley era. Even in the two seasons under Roman since, Herbert pushed for 4,000 yards but never quite hit it. Jim Harbaugh has built a defensive squad that’s kept the team afloat, even when Herbert’s arm wasn’t carrying the load. It’s cool they don’t *need* him to drop 30+ touchdowns, but honestly, it’s been frustrating to watch them flip-flop between an elite defense and an elite offense instead of just getting both units firing.
So, with all these MVP votes rolling in before the regular season even begins, the pressure is on. Can Mike McDaniel really unlock the Herbert we all know is in there? This isn’t just about individual awards; it’s about whether the Chargers can finally put it all together. Get ready, football fans, because if those preseason predictions are right, we’re about to see a show.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bolts from the Blue.
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