Former Chargers QB Doubts Mike McDaniel Can Save Justin Herbert

Jim Everett believes the Chargers' offensive line and skill position issues will continue to plague the star QB.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:00am

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Former Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Jim Everett expressed doubts about the team's ability to protect and support star QB Justin Herbert, saying that the offensive line struggles and skill position issues will continue to hamper Herbert's career. Everett believes that even new head coach Mike McDaniel's creative offense won't be enough to overcome the Chargers' longstanding organizational problems.

Why it matters

As one of the Chargers' former starting QBs, Everett's critical assessment of the team's ability to build a winning roster around Herbert carries weight. If his concerns about the offensive line and skill positions prove accurate, it could jeopardize Herbert's development and the team's chances of contending in the coming years.

The details

In an interview, Everett said he 'loves' Justin Herbert but believes the Chargers' issues with pass protection and skill position talent will continue to plague the young QB. Everett cited Herbert's high sack totals over the past two seasons - 95 sacks - as evidence that the offensive line has failed to adequately protect him. Everett also questioned whether the team's efforts to improve the running game and bring in new offensive talent will be enough, stating 'if they don't protect the quarterback, which they haven't, and they can't catch the balls he throws, that don't work.'

  • In the 2022 NFL season, Justin Herbert was sacked 54 times.
  • Over the past two seasons, Herbert has been sacked 95 times.

The players

Justin Herbert

The star quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, known for his strong arm and potential but who has struggled with poor offensive line play and skill position talent during his first two NFL seasons.

Jim Everett

A former NFL quarterback who played for the Los Angeles Rams and spent one season with the Chargers in 1997, providing an experienced perspective on the team's quarterback situation.

Mike McDaniel

The new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, hired to bring his creative offensive mind and help develop Justin Herbert into an elite NFL quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“I love Justin, I really do...But I can tell you this: there's a reason why Eli Manning didn't want to go with the Chargers years ago. It's a different franchise. It just is. I think Jimmy Harbaugh is gonna do the best he can. Mike McDaniel's gonna bring the most creative offense in.”

— Jim Everett, Former Chargers Quarterback

“But if you can't catch it, and if you can't block up front, you're going to kill your quarterback. We see it year in and year out. We're gonna see Justin with CTE. I swear to God. This guy gets beat up more than any guy I've seen play in a long time. And it continues.”

— Jim Everett, Former Chargers Quarterback

What’s next

The Chargers will need to address their offensive line and skill position depth in the upcoming NFL Draft and free agency period if they hope to provide Justin Herbert with the support he needs to succeed under new head coach Mike McDaniel.

The takeaway

Jim Everett's critical assessment of the Chargers' ability to properly build around Justin Herbert highlights the ongoing organizational challenges the team faces, despite having a talented young quarterback. Unless the Chargers can significantly improve their offensive line and skill position talent, Everett believes Herbert's career could be in jeopardy due to continued sacks and hits.