New Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel isn’t just overhauling the system, he’s fine-tuning quarterback Justin Herbert’s mechanics to fit the new scheme.
Herbert spent Tuesday’s OTA session not only throwing passes but using a weighted bright green ball to work on his throwing motion and footwork. The two-time Pro Bowler said he expects to spend one day a week over the rest of pre-camp focusing on footwork rather than pitching.
“Mechanically it’s a little different timing, make sure you’re on time with the routes,” Herbert said via the team’s official website. “It doesn’t take long because for the past few years I’ve been feet parallel to each other, right foot forward, left foot forward.
“Basically, just understanding how [McDaniel] wants the drops to be timed with the routes and he wants the ball out early,” added Herbert. “We feel like that will help get the ball out quicker.”
The quick routes were the mainstay of McDaniel’s offense, as well as creative moves and great counterattacks, which allowed wideouts to find open grass. It helps when Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle catch those quick throws, but timing from the quarterback is key, regardless of who’s on the other end.
“It’s his focus so much on getting the ball out and getting the ball in the hands of the receivers at a time when they can go up the field and make something happen,” Herbert said. “We turned on the tape from Miami the last few years and how many plays they ran with YAC, guys catching the ball and breaking for a touchdown.
“The better I can do at getting the ball in their hands quicker and in a position where they can run with it, I think our offense will be better.”
Adding more speed to the offense could not only improve Herbert’s efficiency but also keep him upright more often. The QB was beaten behind a stout offensive line, had a career-high 54 regular-season snaps, then was taken down six times in the Wild Card loss to New England.
“I think getting the ball out quickly and the emphasis on getting the ball out before the receivers are even looking for it, that’s the new thing,” Herbert said. “In years past, you rely on your arm strength to put the ball exactly where you needed to instead of relying and throwing it to a spot and dropping it and catching it, I think that part is different.
Different enough that Herbert is spending a full day in the offseason program fine-tuning his mechanics to get used to it.