Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s remarkable combination of size and arm talent has "opened" Kellen Moore’s eyes ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
Moore left the Dallas Cowboys to become the new offensive coordinator of the Chargers after the iconic NFC East franchise were eliminated from the playoffs at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers last season. The Cowboys boasted a dominant defence, but offensive struggles proved to be their undoing in 2022.
Moore spent four seasons leading the Dallas offensive system with Dak Prescott at the helm, and he received plaudits for the dynamic unit. However, Prescott struggled last season as he passed for 2,860 yards and just 23 touchdowns while leading the NFL in interceptions.
After working alongside and with the likes of Matthew Stafford, Tony Romo and Prescott as both a player and a coach, it should be noted how excited Moore is by Herbert and his potential. He was impressed by the 25-year-old’s recall when working through play calls, but it was his physical ability that truly stunned the Chargers offensive coordinator.
Now he has worked with the quarterback on the practice field, Moore sounds as though his offensive schematics are being redefined by Herbert’s otherworldly ability. Speaking to Sports Illustrated about his first impressions of the Chargers quarterback, Moore made it clear he has seen talent in Herbert on another level to what he has seen previously.
“Yeah, there’s some obvious stuff," Moore said. “The biggest thing is obviously his arm talent.
"But his combination of size, throwing ability, athleticism, I mean, there’s only a few on earth that can have that combination, and play at such a high level. It’s really fun to see.
“I was a 6-foot, kind of hanging-on quarterback for six years. And I laugh, there’s a few throws sometimes he makes that I say, ‘I would never think about trying that throw, but here we are.’ It’s opened my eyes to some things.”
While Moore didn’t elaborate on what things he is talking about, it is clear that Herbert’s unique skillset allows him to draw up plays that perhaps Prescott could not pull off in Dallas. Herbert has one of the best arms in the NFL and he has showcased his power and accuracy over his three years in the league.
Last season, Herbert threw for 4,739 yards and 25 touchdowns as well as 10 interceptions on a 68.2 percent completion rate. The former Oregon star guided the Chargers to the postseason on the back of his fine play, although he is yet to win a playoff game as LA sensationally collapsing against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Perhaps Moore and Herbert mesh perfectly to help the Chargers secure postseason success in a talented and crowded AFC.
