EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers have taken a significant step in reshaping their offensive approach by hiring Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator. McDaniel, who previously served as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, has dedicated himself to analyzing every pass thrown by quarterback Justin Herbert throughout his career, totaling an impressive 3,438 attempts over six seasons.
As McDaniel delved into the film, he recognized a strong alignment between his offensive philosophy and Herbert's skill set. The NFL landscape is filled with varying opinions on the effectiveness of quick passing plays versus longer-developing routes. However, McDaniel firmly believes that a quick-release passing game is essential in today’s fast-paced league, particularly for a quarterback like Herbert, who has faced significant pressure throughout his career.
“The most stacked position in all of football is elite pass rushers,” McDaniel explained in an interview with Yahoo Sports. “Regardless of how good your blockers are, the most athletic guys are on the defense.” This statement underscores the reality that Herbert has been under constant duress, having been sacked 225 times since being drafted sixth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. His 903 pressured snaps and 381 hits reflect a challenging environment for any quarterback.
Last season was particularly tough for Herbert, as noted by receivers coach Sanjay Lal, who remarked on the difficulty of maintaining a functional offense when the quarterback is frequently under pressure. McDaniel's arrival offers a glimmer of hope, as he aims to implement a quick-release strategy that minimizes the time Herbert spends in the pocket, thereby reducing the risk of injury and allowing for a more balanced offensive attack.
McDaniel draws on his recent experience coaching Tua Tagovailoa, who faced far less pressure than Herbert, being hit only 26 times over 25 games. He aims to replicate that success with Herbert by focusing on plays that allow for quick decision-making and efficient ball distribution. McDaniel noted that Herbert's success often came from decisive throws, emphasizing the quarterback's toughness and ability to perform under pressure.
Despite the irony in trying to reduce Herbert's hits—given that those very hits have earned him respect among teammates—McDaniel is determined to create a system that alleviates some of that burden. He aims to foster a quicker passing game that allows for yards after the catch, a crucial aspect of modern offensive strategies.
As training camp progresses, McDaniel has expressed satisfaction with Herbert's ability to operate in this new system, noting that he has not had to escape the pocket as much. This is a promising sign, as it indicates that the offensive scheme is allowing for multiple target options and quicker decision-making. The goal is to keep defenses on their toes, making it more challenging for them to pressure Herbert.
Chargers players, including second-year running back Omarion Hampton, have embraced the faster-paced offense, which they believe will open up running lanes and create opportunities for both the pass and run game. The team is preparing to face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, followed by a challenging stretch against formidable opponents like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs.
With McDaniel's innovative approach and Herbert's undeniable talent, the Chargers are poised for an exciting season. As they work to implement these changes, the hope is that Herbert will not only thrive but also lead the team to greater success on the field.
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