Herbert Runs More Than Ever: Forced to Run by the Offensive Line?

Herbert Surprises with His Agility: Chargers’ Quarterback Becomes a Running Threat

In the lead-up to the 2025 preseason game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the New Orleans Saints, Quentin Johnston looked puzzled. He was watching Justin Herbert, the team’s quarterback, repeatedly doing 25-yard sprints. What Johnston didn’t know was that Herbert was carrying out the team’s physical test, a demanding running assessment that players must pass at the start of training camp to demonstrate their fitness.

The test consists of six repetitions of 150 yards, divided into 25-yard sprints with a 40-second rest after each set. Although the number of sets, repetitions, and rest periods vary depending on the position, it is a test that most players dread upon returning for the start of the football season. Herbert’s willingness to undergo this test surprised Johnston.

My first reaction was like ‘He’s lost it,'” Johnston commented with a laugh. “But if he likes it, I love it. Seeing that doesn’t surprise me that he’s running the way he has been.”

Quentin Johnston

Justin Herbert averages 26.6 rushing yards per game this season, the best mark of his career.

Herbert has always been a mobile player, demonstrating great speed on the field. In his sixth season, Herbert has run more than ever, partly due to circumstances. Currently, he averages 26.6 rushing yards per game, surpassing his second-best mark by 8.6 yards. This increased frequency of running is a response to an offensive line plagued by injuries and pressure from coaches for Herbert to take advantage of his ability to run when necessary.

If I can get a first down with my legs, I’m more than happy to do it. It’s when we’re at our best, when we can do everything,” Herbert said. “Run game, pass game, play action, and quarterback scrambles to get first downs.”

Justin Herbert

The Chargers will look to continue leveraging Herbert’s mobility in their next game against the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterbacks coach Shane Day has emphasized the importance of Herbert using his legs to help the team, and Herbert has shown a notable improvement in his speed and mobility. In the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Herbert made a 19-yard scramble in a crucial situation, demonstrating his speed and ability to gain yards with his legs. So far this season, Herbert leads the league in scramble yards among quarterbacks with at least five scrambles.

The Chargers’ offensive line has been affected by injuries, which has increased the pressure on Herbert. Faced with this situation, Herbert has been forced to run more, showing a great ability to evade pressure and gain yards. The coaches have noticed his evolution and his ability to make quick decisions on the field. Injuries on the offensive line have led the Chargers to have one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Defenses have pressured Herbert on numerous occasions, forcing the quarterback to use his mobility to escape and make plays. Faced with a lack of protection, Herbert has resorted to his legs, which has been fundamental in keeping the team afloat. His teammates recognize that his mobility makes the defense’s task difficult. The coaches have emphasized the importance of using his legs to help the team. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman highlights the difficulty of defending a quarterback like Herbert, capable of gaining yards with his legs even when the coverage is perfect. The coaching staff has worked with Herbert to improve his decision-making and his ability to react to different game situations. However, some members of the coaching staff are concerned about the way Herbert sometimes finishes his runs, preferring to collide with defenders instead of sliding. Despite this, his runs and his energy on the field are highly valued by the team. Quarterbacks coach Day highlights Herbert’s unique ability to combine passing and running plays, and his ability to make the right decisions on the field. Herbert has shown great evolution in his ability to react to different game situations. Herbert’s ability to adapt and make the right decisions on the field, such as his touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos and his run to secure the game against Kansas City, demonstrates his evolution. Day highlights Herbert’s ability to read the game and make the right decision at every moment.