Herbert Overhauls Footwork This Offseason to Quicken Release as McDaniel Emphasizes Anticipation and Quick-Game Efficiency

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is overhauling his footwork this offseason with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel to speed up his release and get the ball out quicker. Herbert spoke to reporters Tuesday in El Segundo, California. He did not throw a football during Tuesday's OTA practice.

Instead, he used a weighted green ball while working through throwing motions and footwork drills. Herbert said he expects to spend one day per week over the next few weeks focusing on footwork rather than throwing. "I thought it was helpful for my footwork just to be able ...

Not to have to worry about throwing the ball right now," he said. "Mechanically, it's a little different timing ... " One of the biggest differences in McDaniel's offense is the stress on anticipation, Herbert said.

He is learning not to always rely on his arm strength. "We really emphasized the first couple of weeks of just getting the ball out as quick as possible," he said. "Almost getting to a point where the receivers haven't looked back for it yet.

Shortly after McDaniel got the job, he put together a presentation featuring a few hundred plays from Herbert's career and McDaniel's previous offenses, showing how certain concepts could have been executed differently. "It was a well-put-together presentation that I really saw the vision, and it meant a lot to me," Herbert said. 4 seconds or less time to throw.

4 seconds. 5 seconds, his efficiency dipped.