McDaniel says Herbert will shape Chargers’ offence

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel says Justin Herbert’s physical ability will be central to the way the team builds its offence.

Speaking to Fox Sports during training camp, McDaniel described Herbert as the most talented quarterback he has coached in the NFL. He highlighted the quarterback’s arm talent, mobility and capacity to overcome difficult situations, including poorly designed plays.

McDaniel said those qualities can reduce the need for coaches to solve every defensive problem through play design. Herbert’s ability to scramble for a first down or respond to a coverage issue gives the offence another way to handle pressure, he said.

The coordinator added that his experience working with less physically gifted quarterbacks had prepared him to coach Herbert. Building systems around players with different skill sets, he said, helped broaden his approach to play design and problem-solving.

McDaniel previously spent four seasons as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Herbert and Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa were selected fifth and sixth respectively in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Fox Sports reported that McDaniel considered several coaching opportunities before choosing the Chargers. The report was published as part of the outlet’s weekly “West Coast Read” series.