Fantasy Alert: NFL Scout Feels Jim Harbaugh 'Might Finally Unlock' Justin Herbert
Jul 15, 2024
Costa Mesa, CA - June 13: Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throws a pass during practice at the Chargers mini camp at Hoag Performance Center in Costa Mesa Thursday, June 13, 2024. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The widespread belief has been that Jim Harbaugh would bring a more run-heavy scheme to the Los Angeles Chargers, perhaps impacting—at least in the short term—Justin Herbert's fantasy upside.
That was compounded when the team lost its top two receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, this offseason.
But there is another perspective—that Harbaugh's offense could take Herbert to the next level.
"I think Harbaugh might finally unlock him, with more emphasis on the run to support him," an NFL personnel director told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "Sure, he's got to play bigger in some big games. But he's going on, what, his fourth different coordinator? It's not always his fault they've struggled."
In his four seasons, Herbert has been a Pro Bowler once, thrown for over 30 touchdowns twice, exceeded 4,000 passing yards three times, went over 5,000 passing yards once and has thrown double-digit interceptions three times.
He's shown flashes of being one of the elite players at the position, but there's been just enough inconsistency to keep him out of that top tier. Perhaps Harbaugh will take him to that next level.
Commanders' Austin Ekeler Explains 'Misalignment' with Jim Harbaugh, Chargers in FA
Jun 17, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on as he stretches prior to an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Austin Ekeler has never played for another NFL team outside the Los Angeles Chargers during an NFL career that dates back to 2017, but it became clear this offseason the team's new leadership group featuring head coach Jim Harbaugh wasn't going to bring him back.
And Ekeler understands and doesn't seem to have any hard feelings.
"They wanted a guy they can hand the ball off to 300 times a year, and, look, I haven't had the capacity to do that," he said during a Monday appearance on Up & Adams with Kay Adams. "That's not my game. That's not how Austin Ekeler is going to be the best on the field. So there was a misalignment there, which, no harm no foul. I'll go somewhere else where Austin can be the best version of myself out there."
"They wanted a guy to hand the ball off to 300 times a year... that's not my game. There was a misalignment there, no harm no foul."@heykayadamspic.twitter.com/9KBd1Lmpr5
Ekeler ended up signing a two-year deal that can be worth up to $11.4 million with the Washington Commanders and figures to split carries with Brian Robinson Jr.
Harbaugh and Co. added former Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards this offseason, so it's not as if the Chargers went for a 300-carry featured back either. The two figure to split carries much like they did at times with the Ravens, especially since they have both suffered significant injuries in recent years.
Ekeler will look to return to his 2022 form with a change of scenery.
He finished that season with 915 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground to go with 107 catches for 722 yards and five touchdowns as one of the best versatile offensive weapons in the league. However, he ran for a career-worst 3.5 yards per carry in 2023 on his way to 628 yards and five touchdowns on the ground with 51 catches for 436 yards and one score.
Perhaps splitting time with Robinson and finding his way in a new offense will help him put last season behind him.
Fantasy Alert: Justin Herbert Has Made 'Ridiculous Throws' in Jim Harbaugh's System
Jun 15, 2024
Costa Mesa, CA - June 13: Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throws a pass during practice at the Chargers mini camp at Hoag Performance Center in Costa Mesa Thursday, June 13, 2024. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The early returns for Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in Jim Harbaugh's offense have been very high for fantasy managers keeping an eye on things right now.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler explained on SportsCenter that Herbert has made some "ridiculous throws" so far in OTAs and mandatory minicamp in his first exposure to the system being implemented by Harbaugh:
"The vibes are immense. The vibes are hot, the streets are hot. The Chargers are implementing that run-heavy Harbaugh system, which is a little bit different for Justin Herbert. I'm told that transition has been seamless but to a point because they've stuck with mostly passing concepts this spring. In training camp, they're going to hit that run-heavy, play-action stuff early. But I was told that he's made several 'ridiculous' throws already and that somebody from the team told me that he can fit into any scheme, it doesn't matter, he's that kind of quarterback. So, he will be just fine."
The Chargers quarterback has earned rave reviews from his new head coach throughout the offseason. Harbaugh said Herbert "crushed" the conditioning test at minicamp earlier this week.
Jim Harbaugh says Justin Herbert "crushed" the conditioning test last week
"The conditioning test was another eye opener... He smashed the conditioning test last Thursday. I mean, crushed it like out in front of people trying to keep up with to the point I mean, the athleticism…
The love is being reciprocated from Herbert, who called it an "honor" to play for Harbaugh.
"He's done such a great job taking this team and getting them to where he wants them to go," Herbert told reporters on Thursday. "He's won wherever he's at. He's a guy that everyone wants to follow and play for."
Harbaugh and new Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman are known for favoring a strong running game, but the efficiency of Roman's passing game in his previous stops with the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens is an encouraging sign for Herbert.
Noting a growing disconnect between how people are talking about Greg Roman's pass offenses and the actual results.
The raw number of passes is a factor, but outside our most recent memory of him, the passing offense efficiency had a pretty high floor pic.twitter.com/ls5Z9dILv1
One thing the Harbaugh-Roman system can do is ease some of the burden on Herbert. He and Patrick Mahomes are the only quarterbacks in the NFL with more than 2,400 pass attempts since 2020.
Herbert's 39.06 attempts per game during that span ranks third, behind only Tom Brady (41.2) and Ben Roethlisberger (39.13).
Since Herbert's rookie season, the Chargers have been one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL.
Since 2020 the Chargers offense ranks 31st in EPA/rush and 28th in rushing success rate. I'd settle for seeing Justin Herbert with an average to above average run game tbh.
If the Chargers can marry Herbert's ability to make those elite-level throws with an offensive system that offers him more support with an efficient rushing attack, he could be an even better player than he has been already.
Herbert has thrown for 17,223 yards, 114 touchdowns and completed 66.6 percent of his attempts in 62 career starts.
The Chargers finished last in the AFC West with a 5-12 record in 2023. They were coming off back-to-back winning seasons, including a playoff appearance in 2022.
While it's still early to be fully immersed in fantasy draft preparation for the upcoming season, Herbert could be a great sleeper option right now.
Per FantasyPros, Herbert is currently the 13th coming off the board with an ADP of 95.5. There will be questions about the quality of his pass-catchers after releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears.
Rookie Ladd McConkey figures to get a lot of attention from Herbert. The Chargers will also be hoping for significant improvement from 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston.
If either or both of those wide receivers proves to be reliable in 2024, it will only help Herbert as he looks to get back on track coming off an injury-plagued season.
Justin Herbert Raves About Jim Harbaugh, Says it's an 'Honor' to Play for Chargers HC
Jun 13, 2024
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert during a Los Angeles Chargers OTA offseason workout on May 20, 2024 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had high praise for new head coach Jim Harbaugh, calling it an "honor" to play for him, per ESPN's Kris Rhim.
"He's done such a great job taking this team and getting them to where he wants them to go," Herbert said. "He's won wherever he's at. He's a guy that everyone wants to follow and play for."
Harbaugh is fresh off a national title in the collegiate ranks at Michigan and is looking to have similar success with the Chargers this season.
According to Rhim, Herbert's time playing for Harbaugh has been different than any other coach he's had thus far. The 60-year-old often joins the team for lift sessions and some drills as well as taking time to coach individual players.
"It's a cool experience to be able to share that with your head coach," Herbert said. "Whether we're pulling sleds, he expects to be the fastest or to pull the furthest, and when we're carrying those med balls, he's wanting to go the furthest, he wants to go the fastest.
"And to have a guy like that set the stage, set the standard for these undrafted guys, for these rookies to see that, I think they follow in his footsteps."
It's that kind of mentality that led Harbaugh to years of success at Michigan. The Wolverines won three Big 10 titles, went to the College Football Playoffs three times and were the most dominant team in college football a season ago under Harbaugh's leadership.
As Harbaugh begins his second stint in the NFL, he's looking to right the ship in Los Angeles after the Chargers went 5-12 a season ago. Luckily he has a talented quarterback in Herbert, and together the two will search for success for a franchise that hasn't found much of it in recent years.
Jim Harbaugh: Justin Herbert 'Smashed' Chargers' Conditioning Test for 2024 Season
Jun 11, 2024
COSTA MESA, CA - JUNE 04: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) takes part in a drill during the team's OTA practice on June 04, 2024, at the Hoag Performance Center in Costa Mesa, CA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Few offseason tropes are more common than an athlete being in the best shape of their life. In the case of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, it might be true.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters Tuesday that Herbert "crushed" his conditioning test with the team.
"The conditioning test was another eye-opener," Harbaugh said. "... He smashed the conditioning test last Thursday. I mean, crushed it like out in front of people trying to keep up with to the point I mean, the athleticism and the strength really. I mean, he could play tight end here, he could play edge rusher here."
Justin Herbert with some early throwing at the start of work here for Chargers. pic.twitter.com/Ry78w4qYoF
Herbert might be carrying a bit of a chip on his shoulder after he and the Chargers fell short of expectations in 2023. Los Angeles finished 5-12 and its starting quarterback set career lows in completion percentage (65.1) and passing yards per game (241.1).
The team's record and his individual numbers only raised further questions regarding whether the general reputation of the 26-year-old aligns with what he's doing on the field.
Expecting the Chargers to make the postseason might be somewhat unrealistic because this is a franchise in a clear transition period after losing some key players.
But Herbert can at least silence some of his skeptics by having a monster campaign. Based on Harbaugh's comments, maybe the 2021 Pro Bowler will show off some new facets of his game as well.
Report: Jim Harbaugh Complained About Michigan AD, Big Ten's Petitti Before NFL Move
May 23, 2024
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 13: Athletic Director Warde Manuel (L) and Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh (R) of the Michigan Wolverines shake hands onstage during the National Championship Celebration at Crisler Center on January 13, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
Jim Harbaugh complained about Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti prior to leaving the school and accepting the Los Angeles Chargers head coaching job, according to CBS Sports' John Talty.
Talty reported that Harbaugh told a friend he wanted to stay with the Wolverines but that Manuel "was not the advocate he needed in his corner." The coach also "raged against" Petitti.
On Manuel, there could've been some residual anger left over from when Harbaugh took a pay cut on the heels of Michigan's 2-4 record in the pandemic-shortened season. Perhaps that's when the 60-year-old began to question the administration's commitment.
The NCAA investigation hanging over the football program complicated the relationship further.
Talty reported Michigan was prepared to pay Harbaugh $11-plus million a year but that "university lawyers had pressed for termination language that would protect the school in the event of an unforeseen turn in the sign-stealing investigation."
Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel first reported in January that Harbaugh was "seeking language that would grant him immunity from termination from any finding or sanction that could arise from multiple current NCAA investigations into the football program."
That appears to have been a significant wedge between the two parties.
Petitti, meanwhile, became persona non grata in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with how the conference handled the sign-stealing allegations against the Wolverines. Harbaugh was suspended for three games, including the two biggest on the team's schedule. Michigan wound up beating Penn State and Ohio State without him.
According to Talty, Harbaugh was specifically frustrated when Petitti declined to show up for a meeting they had scheduled.
The newest reporting drives home how Harbaugh's tenure had simply run its course.
It's no secret his personality can wear thin on those who have to work with him, so a showdown with Manuel was probably inevitable. In addition, Harbaugh clearly coveted a return to the NFL. He interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 on national signing day.
Michigan winning a national title allowed everyone to make a clean break without feeling too bitter.
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh's Sense of Humor Reminds Denzel Perryman of Will Ferrell
May 21, 2024
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert during a Los Angeles Chargers OTA offseason workout on May 20, 2024 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
It hasn't taken long for Jim Harbaugh to win over his new players with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Per Kris Rhim of ESPN, Harbaugh's colorful personality has been a hit with the team as he gears up for his first year at the helm in Los Angeles, and he's even drawn comparisons to an award-winning actor and comedian.
"I hope I don't get in trouble for this, but he reminds me of Will Ferrell," Chargers veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman said Monday. "I don't know if it's the way that he speaks, his analogies and everything, but they really remind me of Will Ferrell."
Of course, Ferrell has performed in numerous famous roles, so Perryman specified that his acting in Step Brothers reminds him of Harbaugh's personality. He also joked that comparing Harbaugh to Ferrell's performance in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby would get him into trouble.
"I don't know if it's his tone of voice or the way he talks in general, but the first thing that comes to mind is Will Ferrell," Perryman said. "I mean, I do take him seriously. I take everything he says seriously, though. But when he does joke around, I start cracking up in my seat."
Harbaugh does have a bit of experience with comedic acting, as he appeared in the Comedy Central show Detroiters in 2017.
The Chargers are hoping the good vibes continue as Harbaugh tries to help the team bounce back from a disappointing 5-12 finish to the 2023 season.
NFL Rumors: Jim Harbaugh's Chargers Removed Music, Emphasized Conditioning in OTAs
May 21, 2024
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts with Easton Stick #2 during a Los Angeles Chargers OTA offseason workout on May 20, 2024 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Jim Harbaugh means business.
Bridget Condon of NFL Network reported on the Los Angeles Chargers' first OTAs under their new head coach and pointed out he made a few changes.
"There was no music," she said. "In every other Chargers practice that I've been to before without Jim Harbaugh, they played a lot of music. So that's an interesting note. … [There was an] emphasis on conditioning. The last 10 minutes of practice we watched them do sled pulls. They were doing medicine ball carries."
Condon also pointed out the Chargers didn't hesitate to throw the ball with quarterback Justin Herbert during the practice session, which was notable since Harbaugh's Michigan teams relied so much on the run.
If nothing else, there seems to be a renewed focus on some of the basics without any outside distractions.
Los Angeles was just 5-12 last season, so something of a reset is in order. The roster also looks different with running back Austin Ekeler (Washington Commanders), wide receivers Keenan Allen (Chicago Bears) and Mike Williams (New York Jets), and tight end Gerald Everett (Bears) all elsewhere.
Things figure to look different for the Chargers this season, and focusing on conditioning in particular should come in handy in the fourth quarter in critical AFC West games against the reigning-champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Perhaps if the team improves its conditioning, it may even get to listen to music again in later practices.
Chargers 2024 NFL Schedule Released for Jim Harbaugh's 1st Year with Justin Herbert
May 16, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 01: New Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh speaks during his introductory press conference for at YouTube Theater in Inglewood Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Jim Harbaugh now knows exactly what he will face during his first season as the Los Angeles Chargers head coach.
Harbaugh's return to the NFL and his new partnership with star quarterback Justin Herbert will be one of the biggest storylines of the 2024 season, especially since he is attempting to lead the Chargers to an AFC West title in the same division that features Patrick Mahomes and the reigning-champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Here is a look at the schedule the Chargers will attempt to navigate in their new coach's first year.
2024 Los Angeles Chargers Schedule
should we REALLY make our schedule release video in the sims?
Full schedule information available on the team's official website.
Analysis
All eyes will be on the head coach's return to the NFL, but he has a track record of success.
He won the College Football Playoff national championship with Michigan this past season and also was an NFC champion during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers. He coached the 49ers to a 44-19-1 record and that one Super Bowl appearance during his four seasons from 2011 to 2014 and will be looking for similar success with the Chargers.
While Harbaugh generated many of the headlines this offseason, Los Angeles will look much different on the field as well.
Herbert is still under center, but gone are running back Austin Ekeler (Washington Commanders), wide receivers Keenan Allen (Chicago Bears) and Mike Williams (New York Jets), and tight end Gerald Everett (Bears). That is plenty of firepower, but changes needed to be made for salary-cap reasons.
But they also needed something of a refresh considering they were just 5-12 last season, and Harbaugh's physical approach to the game should provide just that.
Herbert is still the focal point of the offense, but the running back room will look quite different with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Dobbins has dealt with injury concerns throughout his career, but he has the potential to be an explosive playmaker if he is healthy and on the field.
J.K. Dobbins follows up a 44-yard run with a @Ravens TD!
Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey joins returnees Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer on the outside, while pass-rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack will anchor the defense.
That group will face a schedule that is fairly manageable even with some challenges.
Los Angeles and the rest of the AFC West will face the AFC North in 2024, which means matchups with arguably the best division in football. Every team in the AFC North finished with a winning record last season, and there are multiple potential Super Bowl contenders from the group of the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.
Yet the Chargers' last-place schedule also means winnable games against the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots.
They also face the NFC South, which didn't have a single team finish with a record better than 9-8 last year. Throw in an additional cross-conference game against the Arizona Cardinals coming off a 4-13 campaign, and Harbaugh's team can stack some wins outside of those AFC North showdowns.
Even the divisional games might not be too difficult, as the Chiefs were the only team in the AFC West to finish above .500 last season.
There are wins to be had for the Chargers, especially if Herbert plays at an elevated level.
Pivotal Matchups
It might be too much to ask in Harbaugh's first year for Los Angeles to top the Chiefs in the division, which makes it all the more important the team puts itself in a wild-card position.
That means outlasting the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos inside the division.
The games against Las Vegas and Denver stand out because of the battle for positioning inside the AFC West. But they are also particularly important for the Chargers because they are more winnable than the ones against Kansas City, and every win will be critical for a team looking to improve from a 5-12 mark.
Wild-card positioning will come down to more than just the division games, though, and the AFC North battles against the Bengals, Browns and Steelers in particular stand out.
After all, Cleveland and Pittsburgh were wild-card teams last season, while Cincinnati figures to be a contender again with the return of a healthy Joe Burrow. Figuring out a way to at least earn one or two head-to-head tiebreakers in these ones will be important for the Chargers.
And then there is the Harbaugh bowl.
National Champion Jim Harbaugh here to support his big brother John Harbaugh and the @Ravens. 💜
Los Angeles plays Baltimore this season, which means the new Chargers coach will face his brother, John. John Harbaugh earned bragging rights when his Ravens defeated his brother's 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, but Jim will look for some revenge in an important AFC battle this season.
NFL Rumors: Jim Harbaugh, Chargers 'Sold' Bud Dupree on Contract; Updated Salary Cap
May 12, 2024
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 3: Bud Dupree #48 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after a sack during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers have signed free agent edge-rusher Bud Dupree to a two-year contract, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The deal includes $6 million total in base salary with a max value of $10 million.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added that Dupree strongly considered going back to the Pittsburgh Steelers, his first NFL stop, before the Chargers sold him on the idea of sets alongside L.A. edge-rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
Per Over the Cap, the Chargers entered Sunday with $27,930,183 in cap space this season and $72,952,179 in 2025.
Assuming Dupree's deal counts for roughly $3 million against the cap per season, then we can surmise that L.A. should have $24,930,183 left in cap space in 2024 and $69,952,179 the following year.
In other words, the Chargers are adding a quality pass-rusher to the mix without breaking the bank. It's a smart move for the new Chargers' regime, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz.
Last season, the 31-year-old Dupree amassed 6.5 sacks, 39 tackles and two forced fumbles over 16 starts for the Atlanta Falcons, his third NFL stop. He's earned 53 sacks and 305 tackles for his career.
The ex-Kentucky star began his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a first-round pick in 2015. His best year was in 2019, when he had 11.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits and 69 tackles.
After the 2020 season, Dupree left in free agency for the Tennessee Titans. Unfortunately, injuries marred his time in Nashville, where he missed six games in each of the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
However, Dupree experienced a career resurgence in Atlanta, and now he'll look to continue that positive momentum into L.A.
