The Los Angeles Chargers are heading into a new era with a pairing that has already caught plenty of attention: Justin Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah talked about the matchup on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show, reacting to a recent practice clip that showed McDaniel admiring Herbert’s arm talent. Jeremiah said the moment underscored why the fit between quarterback and play-caller could be so fascinating.
“I just think of like a master playbook, right, and you need like a different code to access different portions of the playbook,” Jeremiah said. “McDaniel, we acknowledge the creativity and how good a job he’s done, but he’s never had to access codes to some of the plays he’s going to be able to call and run with Justin.”
Jeremiah’s point was simple: McDaniel has already shown he can build a creative offense, but Herbert gives him a different kind of weapon. With Herbert’s arm strength, McDaniel can lean into ideas that stress defenses both vertically and horizontally without needing every big gain to come on a deep shot.
That’s why Jeremiah sees this as one of the major storylines for the Bolts in 2026. McDaniel spent his time as head coach of the Miami Dolphins crafting one of the league’s most inventive offenses, and now he gets to do it with a quarterback whose physical tools open up a wider range of possibilities.
“When you get that creativity, almost like an artist, and then you pair him with an enormous canvas, I mean, I’m excited to see what they end up painting,” Jeremiah said.
Herbert and McDaniel aren’t the only reasons for the buzz. Jeremiah also pointed to the Chargers’ upgraded supporting cast, including the return of both starting-caliber tackles after Los Angeles made the playoffs last season without them. The team will also have a healthy Omarion Hampton in 2026, which adds another burst of explosiveness to the offense.
And then there’s Ladd McConkey.
Jeremiah said the third-year receiver looks like a strong fit for McDaniel’s offense. McAfee asked whether McConkey could develop into the kind of high-volume target who thrives on option routes and quick underneath throws, and Jeremiah shifted the focus to what happens once the ball is in his hands.
“Run after catch. He’s going to give you so much of that,” Jeremiah said.
Put it all together, and the Chargers have plenty to be excited about: Herbert’s rare arm talent, McDaniel’s creativity, and a better group around them. Now the challenge is turning all that potential into production.
In Other News...
Former Chargers Lineman Calls Out A Growing Justin Herbert Concern
Justin Herberts protection is back under the microscope, and this time the criticism is coming from one of his former teammates. Ex-Chargers tackle Breiden Fehoko took aim at the team on social media and on a podcast, arguing that Los Angeles has not done enough to keep its franchise quarterback upright after Herbert was sacked a career-high 54 times last season.
The Chargers have tried to address the issue this offseason by adding center Tyler Biadasz and drafting Jake Slaughter, but the plan has already been complicated by Biadaszs knee injury. With Slaughter now taking first-team center reps, the line still feels like a work in progress, which is exactly why the conversation around Herbert keeps getting louder. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Are Still Sorting One Sneaky Roster Battle Before Week 1
With Week 1 closing in, the Chargers are still using every available look to sharpen the back end of the roster, and that included a round of workouts for five players this week. Wide receivers Elijah Badger, Liam Clifford, Gary Jennings and Brandon Hayes, along with quarterback E.J. Warner, were brought in as part of the teams ongoing preseason evaluation process, another sign that the final roster picture is still being sorted out.
For a team trying to balance depth, competition and developmental upside, these kinds of auditions matter even when they do not lead to immediate moves. None of the five is assured a contract, but each had a chance to put something on tape for a staff still weighing options before the regular season arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Camp Battle Suddenly Has Two Familiar Names In Danger
The Chargers spent the offseason reshaping their offense around Mike McDaniel, then added help with Tyler Biadasz and David Njoku, making training camp a far less forgiving place for players trying to hold onto jobs. As the preseason has worn on, the roster picture has started to sharpen, and that has left a couple of familiar names in a tougher spot than they expected.
Trevor Penning and Junior Colson have both been fighting to stay in the mix as cutdowns draw closer, with each case reflecting how much the team is weighing fit, depth and the overall value of each spot on the roster. For players on the bubble, the next few practices and preseason evaluations matter just as much as the early camp buzz, because the Chargers are clearly still sorting out who best fits what they want to build. [Read more 🡒]