The Chargers enter this season with a new player for quarterback Justin Herbert.
Former Saints defenders coach Joe Lombardi takes over. On Tuesday, Lombardi spoke to the media for the first time, emphasizing that the offense will be centered around Herbert.
“I think we are going to tell him that we are going to build around him,” said Lombardi. “As we begin this process, we will see what he felt most comfortable with last year and his time in Oregon, and what he was most successful with.
Starting with these building blocks, here is a series of moves that you already know can find a conclusion because you know exactly where to go with the soccer ball. Just give him that level of comfort in the beginning, knowing that he is starting with what he has succeeded in. “
Herbert is coming off one of the best seasons for a novice quarterback, shooting for more than 3,600 yards and totaling 36 touchdowns.
After spending more than a decade as QB mentor Drew Brees, Lombardi is tasked with bringing Herbert to that caliber of player. He knows that he is able to do this with the characteristics he already has.
“He has an elite skill set,” Lombardi said at his news conference on Tuesday. “It seems that there is nothing he cannot do. He has an incredibly strong arm, good accuracy, he is very athletic and it looks like he is a very smart guy who is a good leader.
Lombardi wants to strike a balance between passing and directing football, but he is aware that showing it off could be the way to go with a player who is at his best in the distribution of wealth.
“When you have a quarterback as talented as Justin, you want to let him throw the ball when it’s appropriate – that’s for sure,” said Lombardi.
One problem in Herbert’s debut season was that he was prevented from throwing the football a handful of times, especially in crucial situations. The goal in moving forward should be to let you be the one to put the team in a position to win games, rather than being conservative.
“I’m a huge fan of fighting on the fourth down,” said Lombardi. He added that the data shows that NFL coaches are generally not aggressive enough.
Lombardi’s time as an offensive coordinator lasted shortly after spending just two seasons with the Lions. He feels he has learned what it is like to be more flexible.
“When you’re put in a new situation where the schedule is different, and maybe around coaches who weren’t used to doing things the way you were used to,” said Lombardi. “Just having the flexibility to adjust a little better, perhaps than we had back then.”
It will be easier to get back on track when you have players like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to use.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen someone achieve consistent separation like Keenan Allen and another receiver like Mike (Williams) on their other side,” said Lombardi.
Another skill player that will be useful is the running back Austin Ekeler, which Lombardi is excited to use for his multidimensional skill set.
“I know that Ekeler has some of the skill sets that I’m used to seeing in New Orleans, whether it’s Reggie (Bush) or Darren Sproles or AK (Alvin Kamara),” explained Lombardi. So, it’s exciting to have someone with that skill set, and you know, it’s very exciting to know that these pieces are in place and that we have a good chance to start running. “
Although Lombardi did not obtain the best results as an offensive coordinator, he seems to have a good game plan in store to get the most out of Herbert and the attack, as the team seeks to return to victory in the first season under coach Brandon Staley. .