By Adam Neiberg

For the last fifteen years, Phillip Rivers has been the cornerstone of what was the San Diego Chargers. In the last five years, the looming question hanging over the Chargers was “How will they replace Rivers?”. Those questions have not only been answered, but they have been completely squashed. First-round pick Justin Herbert is the franchise quarterback that the Chargers have been praying for, and more. His talent not only matches that of Philip Rivers, but Herbert’s abilities have the potential to exceed those of the former face of the Chargers. Although the Chargers currently sit at just 2-7 in 2020, the future is bright and the Chargers are a team that could be in the playoff picture as early as next year, and in the future seasons to come. 

At first glance, you could easily write the Chargers off as a terrible team that deserves to be sitting so close to the bottom of the NFL power rankings. However, if you were to take a look at those losses you might start to second guess yourself. The Chargers have lost by a total of just 32 points throughout their seven losses this season and not a single one of those losses has been by more than one possession, which is both astounding and frustrating. They were 3 points away from tying the Saints, Chiefs, and beating the Broncos. The Chargers have also found a way to blow three 17-point leads this season, proving they are beating teams; at least that is all the way until the last minute. 

Justin Herbert is putting up elite numbers, especially for a rookie quarterback. He is currently on pace to throw for over 4,000 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions.  By the way, 27 passing touchdowns are the current rookie passing record, which it is looking likely that Herbert will surpass. Herbert threw for the most yards by any quarterback ever in his first seven games, while being on pace to be the first rookie quarterback to average 300 passing yards per game. He also has the second-highest completion percentage ever among rookie quarterbacks, behind only Dak Prescott. The Chargers have weapons offensively, namely Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler at running back, and Hunter Henry at tight end. They also have some key cornerstone players on defense including elite edge rushers in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. 

It is impossible to argue the potential greatness of Justin Herbert so far. He has already shown the rare ability to lift the franchise to a level they have not been in a long time. If you are a Chargers fan, do not take this season at face value; for there are so many positive takeaways and a real shot to be a consistent playoff threat for years to come. An up and coming star rookie quarterback surrounded by young weapons and elite veterans is a recipe for a bright future. It’s the Charger’s time to be the NFL’s next powerhouse team, and it doesn’t look like they are going to miss their window. 

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