The only way for a rookie to get acclimated to the speed to the NFL is to experience what it will be like come game day.
That’s how it was for quarterback Justin Herbert, who was tasked with going up against the Chargers’ first-team defense on Friday.
“Last couple days, he’s struggled a little bit,” coach Anthony Lynn said before the workout. “There’s a lot going on with protections and when you start doing more third downs. There’s more volume in the offense right now.
“I think this is going to help him take the next step. It’s good for him to be uncomfortable. As long as he’s uncomfortable and we don’t break his spirit, I think that’s an opportunity for great growth.”
Per Orange County Register’s Gilbert Manzano, Herbert saw plenty of pressure and threw a swing pass intercepted by defensive end Melvin Ingram.
With all the preseason games cancelled this year, the coaching staff has to modify a little bit to ensure that Herbert is facing the stiffest competition even if there are some struggles along the way.
Even though he was successful at the University of Oregon, having played there for four seasons, where he threw 1,293 passes for more than 10,000 yards and 95 touchdowns, the NFL is an entirely different beast.
At the beginning of camp, Herbert was impressive with his bullet passes and athleticism. He rarely missed throws and put the ball in the right place to his receivers.
“He’s out there making plays,” Tyrod Taylor said. “There’s still a learning curve, a learning process like [with] every young player in this league. But he’s doing his best. He’s going out there and making plays.”
But now, Herbert needs to continue to show that he’s capable of leading an NFL offense and be consistent when it comes to playing against stingier defenses.