Herbert hits back on pressure: "It's part of the game; you've got to be ready."
The Los Angeles Chargers are grappling with significant offensive line challenges as quarterback Justin Herbert endures relentless pressure and injuries mount.
Why it matters: Herbert's protection is crucial for the Chargers to remain competitive in a tightly contested AFC West. Without effective pass protection, their chances of playoff contention diminish significantly.
In recent games, Herbert has faced overwhelming adversity:
- He has been hit 26 times and sacked seven times over the last two weeks.
- In the latest loss to the New York Giants, he was pressured on more than 50% of his drop-backs, culminating in two interceptions.
What’s new: The situation worsened when left tackle Joe Alt left the game with a potential high ankle sprain, forcing Austin Deculus into action.
Alt's injury could exacerbate the issues plaguing the offensive line:
- Deculus struggled mightily, allowing six pressures in just 37 pass-blocking snaps.
- Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater is also sidelined due to injury, limiting the team’s options.
Yes, but: Despite these setbacks, Herbert remains resilient. His attitude reflects a deep understanding of his role and the nature of the game.
Herbert acknowledged the physical toll of playing quarterback:
- "It's part of the game. Playing quarterback means you're going to get hit. You've got to be ready."
The bottom line: The Chargers offensive line must improve to protect their franchise quarterback effectively. As Trey Pipkins stated, "That's on us and we'll fix it in our room."
What to watch: Moving forward, how the Chargers adjust their offensive scheme will be critical. They may need to implement quicker passing plays or utilize play-action to alleviate pressure while their offensive line navigates injuries.
Between the lines: Head Coach John Harbaugh emphasized the importance of improvement, stating, "We work on it. We get better. Get back to work and regroup." This mentality will be essential as the Chargers face a challenging schedule ahead with an unsteady offensive line.
