Chargers News: Justin Herbert Hurtles Into Expert’s Top 5 QB Rankings
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Ahead of the 2023 season opener, many eyes are on the arm talent that's currently in the league, with the quarterback position never being as stacked as this.
Though many names are higher for some than other people's lists, one analyst ranked Justin Herbert among the elite for QBs headed into this year.
While Herbert is often celebrated for his arm strength, his athleticism, and the feats that combo allows him to pull off, his processing speed is what’s powered his record-breaking success through the first few seasons of his career. No quarterback in the NFL gets through a progression faster than Herbert. He can instantly judge whether a receiver is open and move on to the next option if need be. That binary decision-making can lead to some overly conservative plays, which is frustrating considering how all-around gifted Herbert is. But if he’s able to overcome that weakness and take over more games with his legs, he’ll become the full package. His arm talent has no limit, he’s seemingly immune to pressure in the pocket, and he rarely makes a mental mistake. Herbert needs to be more of a rule breaker this season. It may lead to more errors than he’s used to, but he’s skilled enough to make up for them.
There were only two names ahead of Herbert in the number three spot on Ruiz's list, and both were fellow counterparts in the suddenly loaded AFC.
Taking the top ranks ahead of the former Duck were Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs and Joe Burrow of the Bengals, both of whom have an AFC championship on their belts.
Playoff success seems critical to garnering a high mark in the league, as evidenced by how often the Bolts are omitted from conversations as a top team in the NFL.
The work to changing such a narrative starts this weekend at SoFi with Miami on the docket and a win on the minds of every fan, player, and the organization as a whole.
