Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert’s play the past few weeks has sent a message across the league that he isn’t be taken as a first-year player.
Herbert is coming off an outstanding performance against a stout Buccaneers defense where he passed for 290 yards and three touchdowns. Through three games, he has 931 passing yards and five touchdowns.
It remains to be seen if Herbert will be starting in Week 5 because coach Anthony Lynn has yet to name the starter with Tyrod Taylor nearing a full recovery from a punctured lung.
The Saints’ preparation consists of getting ready for either Herbert or Taylor. Coach Sean Payton voiced how different Los Angeles’ offense operates under the rookie than with veteran.
“I think it’s not the file so much as the team, the scheme and how he’s fitting immediately into it. I think you have to look at what the strengths (are), what he did well in college, was he a guy that turned it over, was he a guy that protected the ball,” Payton said.
“But I think you’re going to study more closely the system. Obviously, it’ll be a little bit uniquely different than when Tyrod’s (Taylor) in there and you cover all those things. But you really have to defend what you’re seeing on tape.”
New Orleans was among the teams that did their homework on Herbert during the pre-draft process. Payton was impressed with him while he played for the Oregon Ducks along with their interview at the Combine.
“I remember him very well. I remember the interview process. I remember the combine the evaluation, the tape all of it. He was an impressive prospect, extremely smart with the live arm,” Payton said.
“I know for from our standpoint, but we felt like we had a great exposure based on all the postseason opportunities we had to look at (him). So I do remember him and it’s good to see that he’s doing well.”