Justin Herbert NFL form (Getty Images)
The Chargers are 0-4, one of five winless teams in the NFL. Herbert has completed 59.7 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and six interceptions. That is a steep drop for a former AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, and a player who finished in the top 10 of MVP voting in two of his six full seasons. The 1992 Chargers are the only team to make the playoffs after an 0-4 start.
Rob Gronkowski says the Los Angeles Chargers are getting it wrong, and he does not blame Justin Herbert. The Hall of Fame tight end told Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” this week that the team’s scheme does not suit its quarterback. Here is what he said and how the numbers compare. And I would say, just keep him as a pocket-quarterback, a shotgun-quarterback, and keep it simple for him,” Gronkowski said.
Gronkowski wants a simpler offense built around Herbert’s arm, with fewer moving parts. “I just feel like that scheme isn’t the right fit for Justin Herbert. He’s moving all over the place. I feel like he just needs to zing the ball. He has an unbelievable arm. He’s got power. He’s got accuracy. And there’s just too much overthinking there, too much complication. Quarterbacks like that rarely forget how to throw. Usually something around them has changed. Time is short. Miami, Houston, Tennessee and Tampa Bay are the other winless teams, so the Chargers have company but no cushion. History offers one thin hope. If Harbaugh and McDaniel keep tinkering instead of simplifying, the spotlight on both will only get hotter.