Staley wants Chargers offense to 'run through' Herbert in 2021
Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley wants quarterback Justin Herbert to be the focal point of the team's offense next season.
"I wanted our offense to run through Justin Herbert," Staley said, according to team reporter Hayley Elwood. "I wanted him to make it work, and I think that's what's been fun to sort of get started."
Herbert started 15 contests for the Chargers in his debut campaign last year, finishing with a 6-9 record. The Oregon product went on to win the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year award after throwing for 4,336 yards and setting a first-year record of 31 touchdowns. Herbert also added 234 rushing yards for five scores.
Following a four-game win streak to close out 2020, there's optimism that Herbert could lead L.A. over a 17-game schedule.
Staley, a defensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020, believes the sophomore pivot's skill set will be key to the Chargers' success on offense.
"I think that ultimately, those are the most dangerous quarterbacks you defend, where the quarterback becomes the system," he said.
L.A. will task the 23-year-old passer with helping the team return to the postseason following a two-year absence from the playoffs.