Chargers QB Justin Herbert inching closer to rookie passing records

Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers’ 2020 season hasn’t gone well. They’re in a tie for last place in the AFC West with the Denver Broncos at 5-9 and currently hold the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft entering Week 16.

Despite the disappointing year, the Chargers still have reasons to feel optimistic moving forward. First-round pick Justin Herbert has enjoyed one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history and has a chance to rewrite the record books over the final two weeks of the regular season.

Herbert is one touchdown pass away from breaking the rookie record (27) which was set by Baker Mayfield (Browns) in 2018. Even if he doesn’t throw another touchdown this season, he’ll share the top spot with Mayfield.

If Herbert averages around 300 passing yards per game, he’ll pass Andrew Luck for the most passing yards in a rookie season. Luck threw for 4,374 yards in 2012; Herbert currently has 3,781.

Herbert is 27 completions away from the all-time rookie completions record, too. Carson Wentz (Eagles) set the mark in 2016 with 379.

The point here is pretty simple: the future is extremely bright in Los Angeles. The hard part in the Chargers’ rebuild is over. They not only have a quarterback; they have one of the best — if not the best — young franchise quarterbacks in the NFL.

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

Follow him on Twitter: @BryanPerezNFL