The 2026 Chargers season is barely a week away, but All-Pro safety Budda Baker of the Cardinals is already sounding the alarm about Justin Herbert. Baker, whose team will face the Chargers in Week 1, went on The Jim Rome Show and called Herbert’s arm strength **”something different for DBs to understand,”** setting a huge tone for the start of the season.
Why That Praise From an All-Pro Matters So Much
When an All-Pro safety like Budda Baker talks, you listen. He knows the game, and he knows what makes quarterbacks tough to defend. Baker didn’t just give a generic compliment; he dug into why Herbert is such a headache for defensive backs. He straight up called the Chargers a “high-powered offense,” a clear sign of respect even before Week 1 kicks off. The Cardinals star detailed how a “Harbaugh offense” starts with a strong run game, but it’s Herbert’s unique skills that truly differentiate the unit. Baker specifically pointed out Herbert’s ability to throw both inside and outside the pocket, a versatility that keeps defenses guessing. Then there’s that cannon for an arm: “He can launch the ball 70 yards in the air.” That kind of range is just flat out rare, and Baker’s words are a clear warning shot to the rest of the league.
Herbert’s Make-or-Break Season Kicks Off Now
With praise like that coming from the opposition, the pressure is real for Justin Herbert. The 28-year-old quarterback is heading into a pivotal season, with Mike McDaniel banked on to transform the entire offensive unit. McDaniel’s scheme is supposed to work wonders, but it’s Herbert who has the chance to elevate it all. This isn’t just about good numbers; this could be his biggest season yet. Anything short of that, and the narrative shifts to one of underperformance. The Chargers are heavy home favorites, set at -10.5, against a Cardinals team expected to be one of the worst in the league. This is a golden opportunity to start strong and prove all the believers right.
It all kicks off in Week 1. While Budda Baker will be out there trying to prove him wrong, the Chargers’ offense and Justin Herbert are primed to show everyone what that “something different” truly means. This is going to be must-watch football.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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