Story perspectives

Chargers OC Pushes Herbert to 2.4-Second Release

5/9/2026

Summary

McDaniel Shortens Throws

Mike McDaniel, Chargers offensive coordinator, wants quarterback Justin Herbert’s release time reduced to 2.4 seconds and aims for 80 % completions.
He says releases over three seconds lower efficiency and raise sack risk.
Herbert had six TDs on 2.4-second throws versus ten TDs and 49 sacks on longer releases.
McDaniel cited receivers Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris and joined the Chargers after his January firing by the Miami Dolphins.

Summary

Herbert Misses Top-10

Justin Herbert finished the 2025 season outside the top-10 in passer rating, marking his second career top-10 finish after ranking seventh in 2024 with a 101.7 rating.
He was drafted sixth overall in 2020, one spot after former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Mike McDaniel previously coached Tua Tagovailoa in Miami, where the quarterback showed rapid-release growth.
McDaniel’s experience with Tagovailoa is cited as a template for Herbert’s development in Los Angeles.

Summary

McConkey Leads

The Chargers ended 2025 with 11 wins but scored three points in their Wild Card loss to New England Patriots.
Coordinator Mike McDaniel aims to give quarterback Justin Herbert easier completions and curb risk.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton ranks Herbert for the 2026 MVP behind Joe Burrow.
With Keenan Allen likely gone, Ladd McConkey becomes the lead receiver, joined by rookies Tre Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Brenen Thompson and Oronde Gadsden II.

History

Historical Context

In the mid-1990s, Mike Shanahan took over the Denver Broncos and, after a 13-3 season in 1996, guided them to back-to-back championships in 1997 (Super Bowl XXXII) and 1998 (Super Bowl XXXIII), highlighted by a 14-2 regular-season record in 1998. Those late-1990s offensive successes set a precedent for modern quick-release passing schemes used by teams today.

1 of 4

McDaniel Shortens Throws

Mike McDaniel, Chargers offensive coordinator, wants quarterback Justin Herbert’s release time reduced to 2.4 seconds and aims for 80 % completions.
He says releases over three seconds lower efficiency and raise sack risk.
Herbert had six TDs on 2.4-second throws versus ten TDs and 49 sacks on longer releases.
McDaniel cited receivers Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris and joined the Chargers after his January firing by the Miami Dolphins.

1 / 4