Story perspectives

Herbert struggles after McDaniel, with passing drop

8/20/2026

Summary

Herbert Gains Coach

Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel joined the Los Angeles Chargers to work with quarterback Justin Herbert because of Herbert’s arm strength.
Herbert is mastering McDaniel’s playbook while, after tackle Joe Alt returned from an ankle fracture, his passing dropped from 2,140 yards/20.1 PPG (QB8) in Weeks 1-8 to 1,587 yards/15.8 PPG (QB14).
His primary targets this season are WRs Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris, TE Oronde Gadsden, and RB Omarion Hampton.

Summary

Tate WR1

Carnell Tate is projected to start as the Titans’ WR1 after impressing in camp with Cam Ward.
Pat McAfee likened Tate’s potential to Terry McLaurin, citing precise route running and contested-catch ability.
Dalton Kraft, cleared from the PUP list after a Week 9 2025 ACL tear, will start Week 1 versus Minnesota without a pitch count.

History

Historical Context

After the Rams reclaimed Los Angeles in 2016 and the Chargers followed in 2017, both clubs embraced the high-octane “Greatest Show on Turf” model that propelled the Rams’ 1999 offense. That legacy helped shape Mike McDaniel’s 2023 hiring as Chargers offensive coordinator, where he guides Justin Herbert toward a franchise-record 5,200-yard passing attack.

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Herbert Gains Coach

Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel joined the Los Angeles Chargers to work with quarterback Justin Herbert because of Herbert’s arm strength.
Herbert is mastering McDaniel’s playbook while, after tackle Joe Alt returned from an ankle fracture, his passing dropped from 2,140 yards/20.1 PPG (QB8) in Weeks 1-8 to 1,587 yards/15.8 PPG (QB14).
His primary targets this season are WRs Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris, TE Oronde Gadsden, and RB Omarion Hampton.

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