Sep 27, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Chargers rookie quarterback continues to impress NFL fans in his Monday Night Football debut.
Justin Herbert wasn’t supposed to be in this position. The sixth-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft was expected to ride the bench for his entire rookie season with the Los Angeles Chargers. But once Tyrod Taylor went down with a chest injury, Herbert stepped in and has been impressive in the first three starts of his career. The Herbert highlight reel continued on Monday night.
In his Monday Night Football debut, Herbert led the Chargers deep downfield in their lengthy second drive of the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints. On the ninth play, Herbert rolled out to the right and hit top wide receiver Keenan Allen in the end zone for the touchdown, giving Los Angeles an early 6-0 lead.
The Herbert highlight reel continues
Herbert continues to put on a show for the Chargers. He wasn’t expected to start until later down the line, but after Taylor’s freak injury prior to Week 2’s kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Anthony Lynn had no choice but to play the kid.
Entering Monday night, Herbert threw for 931 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 72-percent of his passes. Herbert has also logged 47 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Herbert has built an immediate rapport with Allen, setting the two up for a tremendous professional relationship for the foreseeable future.