Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel just admitted he’s “much closer to Justin Herbert now than he was two weeks ago,” and honestly, that tells you everything you need to know about the Chargers’ rough start. We’re talking about a team that needs to turn things around *now*, not next week, not next month. But heading into a game against MVP-frontrunner Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, this revelation about the OC and his star QB? It’s a huge flag.
The “Closer” Coach and the Playbook Woes
McDaniel’s increased meetings with Herbert came because of the rough start, and he’s leaving nothing to chance. He told reporters he’s “much more connected with what his players are most comfortable with running offensively.” This means he’s cutting back the playbook, trying to make sure the unit isn’t overwhelmed as they work to get this new scheme to click. On one hand, it’s positive that McDaniel is willing to change and adapt when things aren’t working. It’s good to hear he’s meeting with Herbert more, and that relationship can never be “too close,” right? You want your play-caller and your QB to be absolutely in sync.
But then you gotta ask, why wasn’t this happening already? It’s not great that he was seemingly pushed to do this, or that he felt he wasn’t doing enough before. Why weren’t those obsessive meetings already the priority, especially through training camp and the regular season? And it’s a huge problem that there seems to have been an unnoticed divide between what the team was comfortable with and what they’ve been trying to do on the field the past two Sundays. That’s a fundamental disconnect.
Herbert’s Lost Control and the Dead Plays
This disconnect shows up directly on the field with Justin Herbert. It’s been super obvious that he doesn’t look like he’s in control of the offense the way we’re used to seeing him. After the initial reads, he just doesn’t seem capable of improvising. The plays look “dead in the water” super quick, and then there’s never a Plan B when things go south. This isn’t the Herbert we know, the guy who usually makes magic happen even when things break down. He’s been handcuffed, and now we’re seeing why.
This Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills is gonna be a serious challenge. Their offense is putting up 38.5 points per game, so the Chargers’ defense is definitely going to have its hands full. On the flip side, Buffalo’s defense is allowing 31 points and 368 yards on average, so the Chargers offense actually *does* have a shot. But for that shot to turn into a win, Herbert has to look like himself. The increased meetings with McDaniel better pay off, or this rough start is only going to get tougher.
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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