Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is refining his footwork under coach Mike McDaniel, including lining up with the left foot forward in the shotgun to speed his release, as the staff pursues marginal gains to boost offensive efficiency and postseason success.
Albert Breer's mailbag argues Mike McDaniel can lift Justin Herbert toward MVP contention by speeding up and simplifying the Chargers’ offense: a stronger O-line anchored by Tyler Biadasz, a top-notch receiver group (Ladd McConkey, Tre Harris), and a more efficient run game (Omarion Hampton) to reduce mental load and facilitate quicker decisions. The piece also covers McDaniel’s potential future, Chiefs’ outlook, 2027 NFL draft timing, Eagles’ hesitation on Jalen Carter’s contract, a notable 'what-if' Brees to Miami scenario, the best GM/coach/QB in today’s NFL, Rams’ offensive-line questions, field-surface debates for the CBA, Vikings’ QB decision between Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy, Cowboys’ Pickens vs Lamb money dynamics, and Brendan Sorsby’s potential supplemental draft entry.
Justin Herbert looked sharp in 7-on-7 drills on Day 2 of Chargers minicamp, pairing with multiple targets as Derwin James delivered a highlight with a deep-ball interception; the practice also spotlighted the offensive line under coach Butch Barry in the team’s outside-zone scheme, and included early looks at kickoff/return options on special teams.
Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is challenging Justin Herbert to elevate the team by tailoring a faster, more anticipatory short-passing offense after studying Herbert’s career. Herbert praises McDaniel as a clear, honest teacher, and they’re focusing on quicker ball release, refined footwork, and more yards after catch to blunt edge rushes and boost playoff chances as OTAs continue ahead of the 2026 season.
Justin Herbert is overhauling his footwork to speed up his release as Chargers OC Mike McDaniel emphasizes getting the ball out quickly. He’s been practicing with a weighted ball during OTAs to refine his throwing motion and anticipatory throws, aiming to reduce sacks after last season’s hits by releasing the ball sooner and more efficiently.
Justin Herbert looked in midseason form on the opening day of Chargers OTAs, threading a strike to Quentin Johnston and delivering solid connects to multiple receivers in 7-on-7 drills while the offensive line was rotated through several combinations with Slater and Alt back from injuries; on defense, Daiyan Henley notched an interception, helping set the tone for a notes-filled first day ahead of minicamp.
The Chargers opened OTAs with Justin Herbert back on the field after missing Phase 2, and Derwin James signed a three-year extension to become the NFL’s highest-paid safety. Slater and Alt participated in drills as they rehab from injuries, signaling likely readiness for training camp, while the team explored more three-tight-end looks with David Njoku joining Oronde Gadsden and Charlie Kolar. Rookie edge Kennard faces a fight for a roster spot as veterans return, and Henley flashed with an interception in 11-on-11 as new defensive coordinator O’Leary brings a faster, more aggressive scheme inspired by Minter. The big questions will play out in training camp and the summer evaluations.”,
Justin Herbert returned to the Chargers after a European two-week vacation with Madison Beer, with coach Jim Harbaugh saying he was happy the QB took time away to support his girlfriend’s tour. Herbert also saw a Harry Styles show and explored European cities before rejoining teammates in an all-white practice kit. Beer remains on her European tour (Belgium, London, Manchester) with a U.S. return expected next month.
The Los Angeles Chargers signed veteran tight end David Njoku to a one-year deal worth up to $8 million, adding a versatile receiving option to support quarterback Justin Herbert.
In rookie minicamp, Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel unveiled a plan to overhaul the offense around Justin Herbert, praising Herbert’s quick grasp of new coaching points and his willingness to try bold changes as the team shifts to a faster, more scheme-driven attack. McDaniel cited data showing Herbert thrives when time-to-throw is either very quick or extended, and he aims to improve the quick-game as part of an offense built to be “elite at everything.” The roster is undergoing turnover (nine new starters on a 16-man OL as they move from a gap to a zone scheme), and a young WR group—including Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Brenen Thompson and others—will be asked to raise their production. Eight draft picks were on the field, with Herbert and the staff pushing for rapid mastery of the new system.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, entering his seventh season, is being tasked by coach Mike McDaniel to truly own the position by refining quick-throw efficiency and maintaining his playmaking ability, with McDaniel saying Herbert is ready to embrace changes that could elevate him from good to elite after years of inconsistent postseason success.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert posted a rare Instagram photo with singer Madison Beer, offering the public a glimpse into their romance that began last summer and has included PDA at a Lakers game; the couple went public in the fall, and Beer commented on the post while Herbert shared heartfelt messages on her birthday, signaling a serious relationship beyond his usual privacy.
New Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel says his approach for Justin Herbert in 2026 is to reduce his workload with simpler, low-cost plays to keep him fresh for the big moments, aiming to avoid the costly clunkers of the playoffs; he plans to study Herbert's tape and build a scheme that lets the quarterback showcase his elite throwing ability when it's needed.
The Chargers introduced Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator and outlined a plan to lighten Justin Herbert’s load with quicker, high‑percentage throws and increased quarterback movement, blending Shanahan‑style outside-zone/boot concepts with Jim Harbaugh’s run‑first philosophy; the offense will be tailored to young weapons like McConkey and Hampton, while staff roles are still being filled and McDaniel hinted at future head‑coaching opportunities.
Chargers introduced Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator and he used the session to outline an adaptable, quarterback-focused offense tailored to Justin Herbert. He stressed keeping Herbert healthy with quicker, high-percentage throws, a strong emphasis on the run game, and scheming around personnel to maximize space. McDaniel highlighted studying Herbert’s past tape to inform installs, balancing run and pass, and building a system that can evolve through December and January while pursuing championships alongside a Harbaugh-led coaching staff.