One thing about OTAs and minicamps is that they always feature a heavy dose of optimism. Players are rejuvenated and have closed the chapter from the previous season.
One of the biggest beneficiaries of the upcoming year is Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Herbert owns NFL records for completions (1,945) and passing yards (21,093) for a player in their first five seasons. But he’s 0-2 in his postseason career.
The last time Herbert played in a game, he threw a career-high four interceptions and had career-worst 43.8 completion percentage in the Chargers’ 32-12 playoff loss to the Houston Texans. Statistically, it was the worst performance of Herbert’s career. His all-time low 40.9 passer rating in the playoff contest validates it.
“I think just like every other loss, you take a look at what you did wrong, what you did right and you try to improve. If I spend any more time worrying or focusing on a loss like that, I think I’m doing a disservice to my teammates,” Herbert said to reporters this week. “Obviously, it didn’t go the way we wanted to, like I said at the end of the year. You got to move on. You got to take a look at what you did wrong. Be honest with yourself, be critical, but you can’t let it take up too much of your time.”
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh went as far as to say the team did Herbert a disservice in 2024. So, a new season is just what the doctor ordered for the quarterback.
The Chargers made a concerted effort to add more playmakers on offense this offseason. They drafted running back Omarion Hampton and wide receiver Tre Harris in the first-two rounds. And acquired running back Najee Harris, tight end Tyler Conklin and reunited with wide receiver Mike Williams (who played with the Chargers from 2017-23) in free agency.
The Cincinnati Bengals have another disgruntled player. It’s a Bengals tradition.
“It’s always great to have playmakers like that. Guys that are able to stretch the field,” Herbert said. “To have guys like that, it definitely opens up our offense.”
More playmakers should aid a Chargers offense that ranked 20th in the NFL last season. But Herbert’s familiarity with Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s scheme could have just as much of an influence. This year is set to be only the second time in Herbert’s career he’s had the same offensive coordinator for consecutive seasons.
“He can go out and run the practice. He knows this offense inside and out now. Last year this time, it was third system in three years so that was a challenge I guess you would call it, which he conquered. This year with him and some of the guys we’re able to kind of progress things,” Roman said. “We understand who we are now way differently than we did last year. What we do will be a little different, how we do it and how we practice it.”
Harbaugh, who’s always been staunch supporter of Herbert, called the quarterback one of the Chargers nine players who trained at an elite level this during minicamp.
“He’s in a great place,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh named Herbert, Derwin James, Khalil Mack, Daiyan Henley, Zion Johnson, Ladd McConkey, Tuli Tuipulotu, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt as the nine elite workout warriors. He later added Josh Harris to the group.
For Herbert, it could be a subtle sign that he’s motivated — especially after the way he ended the previous season.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.