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Scoring what the Los Angeles Chargers will hope is his first of many touchdowns, rookie Justin Herbert's inaugural drive under center ended with the sixth overall pick running into the end zone on a designed option (via 247Sports' Kevin Wade).
Herbert's first drive taking snaps under center ends in a touchdown. pic.twitter.com/oTaQZAxE8M
— kwade (@KwadeSays) September 20, 2020
Taken by the Chargers in April's NFL Draft, the quarterback out of the University of Oregon had been considered the future of the position for Los Angeles, following the departure of longtime signal-caller Philip Rivers. Initially starting the season as backup to veteran Tyrod Taylor, Herbert was forced into action after the aforementioned 31-year-old sustained a chest injury during pregame warmups.
Coming on an afternoon already dominated by a myriad of injuries across the league, the loss of Taylor forced the Chargers to speed up, what had been a cautious approach to their rookie quarterback, after the NFL was forced to cancel the preseason, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Entering the league known for his strong-arm, and downfield accuracy, Herbert was graded as a plus runner in initial scouting reports, despite the fact that he scored only four rushing touchdowns during his time in Eugene, Oregon.
While head coach Anthony Lynn's offense has largely eschewed utilizing run plays with their quarterbacks in years past—not surprising given the limited mobility of Rivers—Herbert's ability to spread the field and exploit gaps in the defense with his legs will almost certainly be welcomed by a franchise looking to create a dynamic offense.
While capping Los Angeles' initial drive with touchdown, the rookie also placed the Chargers in position to score, thanks to two deep passes totaling 49 yards. For a team looking to compete with the high-power attack of the Kansas City Chiefs, Herbert's skill set had to be a welcome sight, even if they had wished he hadn't been forced from the sideline.
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