Dude, did you catch Justin Herbert in Thursday’s final preseason game against the Rams? It was a total head-scratcher, going from a lost fumble on his second play to launching a 65-yard touchdown bomb just a few snaps later. If Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh wanted to see “crisp and clean” football, well, he definitely got a mixed bag, didn’t he?
Harbaugh’s Expectations and Herbert’s Early Showing
Harbaugh set the stage earlier in the week, saying he hoped his starters would get six to nine plays of solid, mistake-free action. He knew it wouldn’t be “perfect,” but he was looking for that “level of crispness and execution” above all else. Last week against the 49ers, Herbert only got three plays, going 1-of-2 for 9 yards, and the team couldn’t even move the chains. That’s not exactly the “crisp” start you want from your franchise QB heading into the regular season. So, all eyes were on Thursday to see if things would turn around.
Two Drives, Total Whiff and a Bomb
Then Thursday hit. Herbert started the game, and on his second play, the ball literally just slipped out of his hands for a lost fumble. Oof. Talk about a rough start! You’re thinking, “Is this the preseason jitters, or something more?” But give the guy credit, he bounced back immediately. Herbert stayed in for one more series, which only lasted two plays. On that very next drive, he hooked up with Quentin Johnston for a massive 65-yard touchdown. Just like that, the fumble was almost an afterthought, replaced by a huge score. It’s like he hit the reset button mid-game!
The Numbers Tell a Strange Story
By the time Trey Lance took over on the first play of the second quarter, Herbert’s final numbers for the night were a bizarre 2-of-3 for 74 yards and that one touchdown. It’s a tiny sample size, but man, those two drives told a wild story about his readiness for the regular season. A fumble and a long touchdown, all in just a few plays? It makes you wonder what kind of ride Chargers fans are in for when the games actually count.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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