The Chargers are banking on Kellen Moore to unlock Justin Herbert’s full potential.
While searching for their new offensive coordinator, the Chargers’ main priority was finding someone who would be able to get the most out of quarterback Justin Herbert. And it is Kellen More who they are banking on.
Moore heaped high praise on Herbert at his introductory media availability, highlighting what he’s seen from him on the field.
“Justin, we know the physical talent,” Moore said about Herbert. “He obviously does a tremendous job.
I think it’s been really cool to watch him, from a fundamental perspective, as he’s gone from Oregon into the NFL and transitioned, and started playing under center — he has done such a phenomenal job of that — and the play-action game, the movement game. We know his ability to throw it down the field.”
Herbert has been nothing short of outstanding in his first three seasons with the Chargers, throwing for 14,089 yards, 94 touchdowns and 35 interceptions and shattering various records along the way.
However, Herbert has yet to fully unlock what makes him such a great player: his immense arm strength and talent.
This season, Herbert dealt with fractured rib cartilage and other key players on the offense had their respective injuries, and they did not have a speed option, which limited him from uncorking it.
Still, former offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system was bland and kept most of Herbert’s throws short and underneath. And the Chargers are hopeful Moore’s offense will do wonders for Herbert.
The middle to deep passing game should improve. While Moore was the Cowboys offensive coordinator, they had the seventh-highest average depth of target in the NFL (8.3 air yards per attempt).
Additionally, on the move is when Herbert is at his best. And Moore utilized a lot of quarterback movement. In 2019, 2021 and 2022, Dak Prescott had the ninth-most dropbacks where he was rolling right or left or scrambling right or left to throw.
Moore will also be responsible for fixing one of the least efficient rushing offenses of this past season. But his bigger responsibility will be putting the Chargers’ most valuable player in a position to succeed.
“I’m just really, really excited to be able to work with him and, hopefully, help him in some way as he continues to build the career that he is going to have,” Moore said.
