Mike McDaniel said Monday that Justin Herbert has been "everything that I'd hoped and more" in training camp, as the Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator aims for "Year 2 results in Year 1" with his system. McDaniel noted quarterbacks historically make significant jumps in their second year under his offense, citing Tua Tagovailoa's Pro Bowl season and Matt Ryan's MVP campaign under Kyle Shanahan.

To accelerate this timeline, McDaniel adjusted his meeting structure and gave players "challenges" with new formations and alignments. Among 500 things he wanted to change, he challenged Herbert to alter his shotgun stance — moving his throwing-side foot back — a technique he previously used with Tagovailoa and Ryan to help quarterbacks release the ball quicker.

The adjustment looked clunky in June minicamp but has become seamless in training camp. On Sunday, Herbert executed a perfect anticipation throw, reading safety RJ Mickens early and hitting David Njoku for a 40-yard completion. McDaniel celebrated the play, noting it was the first time Herbert made that specific read at full speed, adding such moments are becoming "a regular occurrence" in practice.