Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Chargers tweak Herbert's stance, cut release time by half-second

6/19/2026

30 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel altered quarterback Justin Herbert's shotgun stance by moving his left foot forward to speed his release.
He practiced the new footwork with a green exercise ball while limiting OTAs reps to cut his release time from roughly 3 seconds to 2.4 seconds or less.
McDaniel said the faster release could turn a 5-yard route into a 12-yard gain, boosting Herbert’s postseason prospects.

History

Historical Context

Bill Walsh, hired by the 49ers in the 1978 off-season, refined Paul Brown’s short-pass system into the West Coast offense, leading San Francisco to three Super Bowl titles (1981, 1984, 1988). His coaching tree—through assistants like Mike Holmgren and Andy Reid—spread the scheme across the league, a legacy the Chargers’ staff now applies to quarterback Justin Herbert.

1 of 2

Story summary

Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel altered quarterback Justin Herbert's shotgun stance by moving his left foot forward to speed his release.
He practiced the new footwork with a green exercise ball while limiting OTAs reps to cut his release time from roughly 3 seconds to 2.4 seconds or less.
McDaniel said the faster release could turn a 5-yard route into a 12-yard gain, boosting Herbert’s postseason prospects.

1 / 2