Chargers News: LA's Passing Game Specialist Coach Sees Similarities Between Justin Herbert and HOF QB
The Los Angeles Chargers are just weeks away from the start of training camp, and by then, Bolts quarterback Justin Herbert will be full-go. Herbert was recovering from a torn labrum all off-season, but he should be good to go by training camp.
A lot will be expected of Herbert and the Chargers as they hope to reach the promise land in 2023. The fans hope they get the job done this season, and it will land at the hands of Herbert to get the job done. He has all the talent in the world to get it done, and we can't wait to see a healthy Herbert.
The 25-year-old has a lot riding on his shoulders, and his expectations are sky-high, especially when compared to a Hall of Fame QB. Chargers senior insider Eric Smith spoke to Chargers passing game specialist Tom Arth, and the former QB said he sees shades of Herbert in legendary QB Peyton Manning.
"I think there are. They're both big guys, 6-foot-6 and string quarterbacks. I think Justin is more athletic but Peyton was more athletic than people give him credit for, especially early in his career. Justin is rare with that combination in size, speed and athleticism. But where I really see similarities is how they operate in the pocket. Peyton had this ability to play in the pocket when things got tight and things got around his feet, keep his eyes downfield and navigate the pocket … I see that in Justin's game. It's much less common than in today's NFL than it was 20 years ago. You see it less today but it does remind me of Peyton. Justin has a rocket arm, as strong an arm as I've ever seen. Both are just really smart players and people. Peyton is a good guy to have some traits in common with."
(via Chargers.com)
That's some high praise from the former QB, who happened to be teammates with Peyton in Indianapolis. If anyone knows about both their games, it's Arth. Herbert is a smart quarterback with a cannon of an arm and tangibles that are relatable to Manning.
Anytime you're compared to an all-time great, that's a great sign for the future. If Herbert can accomplish half of what Peyton has, the Chargers are in a great position moving forward. The plan is for Justin to be in LA for a long time, and he will be the key to the Chargers' success, similar to Peyton and his teams.