{
  "id": 1616568,
  "title": "Chargers may have unlocked a new version of Justin Herbert under Mike McDaniel",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/chargers-may-have-unlocked-a-new-version-of-justin-herbert-under-mike",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T02:47:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/chargers-may-unlocked-version-justin-024736352.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Chargers, under the leadership of their offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, may have discovered new potential in quarterback Justin Herbert. McDaniel is determined to see Herbert perform at a higher level during his first season in Los Angeles, rather than waiting for his second year to develop. During an interview with The Sporting News, McDaniel expressed his optimism about Herbert's progress, stating that the rookie is \"far past where quarterbacks are usually in Year 1.\"\n\nMcDaniel's approach has been to overhaul his coaching methods and challenge Herbert with new formations and alignments. According to him, the Chargers have been \"up for the challenge\" and are aiming to achieve \"Year 2 results in Year 1.\" The coordinator believes that Herbert's ability to adapt to the system will be crucial in determining how quickly the team can become one of the NFL's more formidable offenses.\n\nWith his physical attributes and the coaching support from McDaniel, it seems Herbert is already making the transition smoother than expected. McDaniel had praise for the rookie, saying he cannot say enough positive things about Herbert. If the quarterback's performance continues at this rate, McDaniel may not have to wait until the second season to witness the results he is hoping for.",
  "summary": "Mike McDaniel has high expectations for Justin Herbert in his new Chargers offense — and the star quarterback is already exceeding them. McDaniel believes Herbert is well ahead of the typical Year 1 learning curve, raising expectations for what Los Angeles could accomplish this season.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Mike McDaniel hints at three frontrunners in Chargers’ left guard battle",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/mike-mcdaniel-hints-at-three-frontrunners-in-chargers-left-guard",
        "published": "2026-08-17T22:50:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}