NFL rookie power rankings for Week 2
By Scott Rogust
13. Scouting Report. QB. Los Angeles Chargers. Justin Herbert. 1.. player. Pick Analysis
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn shocked us all upon the start of their game against the Kansas City Chiefs. For the very first drive, Tyrod Taylor didn’t jog onto the field for the offensive huddle. Instead, it was former Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert. Many thought this was Lynn attempting to fool the Chiefs, but that wasn’t the case, as Taylor suffered a chest injury during pregame warmups. So, the rookie got the call, and did he ever impress.
Herbert led the Chargers down the field on an eight-play, 79-yard opening drive, which culminated in the big-framed quarterback rushing into the end zone for a four-yard touchdown. Later on in the first half, Herbert hit Jalen Guyton for a 14-yard score to give the Chargers an unprecedented 14-6 lead at intermission. The sixth-overall selection looked sharp throughout the game, minus the aforementioned interception to L’Jarius Sneed, and built an immediate rapport with Keenan Allen (10 targets) and Hunter Henry (eight targets). But, the team had trouble slowing down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense, leading to a 23-20 overtime loss.
Next. Chargers are insane if they don't start Justin Herbert for good. dark
Overall, Herbert completed 22-of-33 of his passes for 322 yards, one touchdown and one pick.
This is a performance of a rookie who has absolutely no desire to end up on the bench again. Sorry coach Lynn, you have no reason to sit Herbert once Taylor, especially if he continues to have games like this one. Congrats to Herbert, the Offensive Rookie of the Week.