By Joshua Mbu
Los Angeles Chargers think they've found the secret to bringing out the best in quarterback Justin Herbert.
Both head coach Jim Harbaugh and his right-hand man, offensive coordinator Greg Roman, have hatched a plan to give their star quarterback a boost by creating a steady running offense. After finishing last in the AFC West in 2023, when Herbert had to sit out the rest of the season with a broken right index finger, the Chargers are looking to turn things around.
With the new head coach and preparations for the 2024 season underway, both Harbaugh and Roman aim to upgrade the Chargers' attack and increase their chances for playoff qualification. The once-dominant running offense hasn't performed as well since 2007, ranking outside the top 10 in rushing yards per game every year.
Running back Austin Ekeler also struggled last season, managing just 3.5 yards per carry - the lowest average of his career.
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OC Roman posed an intriguing idea, however, he said to reporters: "Can you imagine Justin Herbert with a great running game? We don't know, but I can imagine what it might look like. So that's kind of the vision."
He added: "I think in this league, you can really, really help dictate the defenses if you have a strong running attack. If you really talk to most defensive coordinators in this league and got 'em off to the side when they're playing a really good running team, they're sweating a little bit. They're sleeping a little less that week."
Herbert is well-known for his impressive passing abilities, a strength that the Chargers need to capitalise on. It's unclear how the Chargers will gain running yards, especially being $25.6million over budget - even after the NFL's new cap of $255m was set - but Roman said they'll use anyone who can cover the ground.
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"We'll give it to anybody that can gain yards," he stated. Furthermore, he suggested Justin might help out more as a scrambler, though other tactics haven't been ruled out.
Despite being only 25, Herbert is already viewed as paramount to the Chargers' future. His new head coach spoke highly of him, admitting, "The thing that's hitting me is enormous talent," Harbaugh confessed. He even woke up early, thinking 'I gotta bring it'. I gotta bring my A game. I gotta get a coaching staff hired that's worthy of coaching Justin, Derwin, and all the guys."