The Los Angeles Chargers have been making waves in the NFL this offseason, solidifying their already stacked team with some impressive additions. With a strong roster on both sides of the field and the guidance of a proven winner in head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are poised to be a top contender in the upcoming season. However, not everyone is convinced of their potential, as former player Ryan Clark recently questioned quarterback Justin Herbert’s ability to come through in clutch moments.
On a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, Clark raised doubts about Herbert’s “clutch gene” and whether he has what it takes to lead the Chargers to victory in high-pressure situations. This statement has turned heads and sparked a debate among football fans and analysts alike. So, let’s take a closer look at Herbert’s career so far and whether Clark’s concerns hold any weight.
First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge that Herbert had an impressive rookie season with the Chargers. He was thrown into the starting role unexpectedly in Week 2 and went on to break several rookie records, including most touchdown passes (31) and most 300+ yard passing games (8). He also earned the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and was named to the Pro Bowl.
But despite his impressive stats and accolades, Clark believes that Herbert still has something to prove. He pointed out that Herbert’s record in close games (decided by 7 points or less) was only 2-9 last season. While this may be a cause for concern, it’s also important to consider the circumstances surrounding those losses. The Chargers had a lot of injuries and close games can often come down to a few key plays or a bit of luck.
Furthermore, it’s unfair to put the sole responsibility of a team’s success or failure on the quarterback’s shoulders. Football is a team sport and it takes a collective effort to win games. The Chargers’ struggles in close games last season cannot be solely attributed to Herbert’s performance.
In fact, Herbert’s ability to perform under pressure was evident in several games last season. In Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he led the Chargers to a game-winning drive in the final minutes, throwing a touchdown pass with just 1:29 left on the clock. He also had a game-winning drive in Week 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders, throwing a touchdown pass with just 27 seconds remaining.
Moreover, Herbert has shown his ability to bounce back from mistakes and perform in clutch moments throughout his college career at the University of Oregon. He led the Ducks to several come-from-behind victories and was known for his poise and composure under pressure.
It’s also worth noting that Herbert is still a young quarterback with only one season of NFL experience under his belt. He is still learning and developing as a player, and it’s unfair to write him off based on one season. Many great quarterbacks, including Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, had their fair share of struggles and losses early in their careers before going on to become legends of the game.
In addition, the Chargers have made some significant improvements to their team this offseason, particularly on the offensive line. They also added some key weapons for Herbert, including tight end Jared Cook and wide receiver Josh Palmer. With a stronger supporting cast, Herbert should have more opportunities to showcase his talents and lead the Chargers to victory.
In conclusion, while Clark’s concerns about Herbert’s “clutch gene” may have some validity, it’s important to remember that he is still a young quarterback with a lot of potential. He has already shown flashes of brilliance and has the support of a strong team and coaching staff. With the right pieces in place, there’s no reason why Herbert and the Chargers can’t be contenders this season. So, let’s give him a chance to prove himself and trust in his abilities to lead the team to success.
