Is Justin Herbert Gonna Make the Rookie of the Year Race Interesting?

Justin Herbert is quietly showin' out for the Chargers...

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Through the first six weeks of the 2020 season, the Offensive Rookie of the Year race is really heating up. Early on, it looked like Clyde Edwards-Helaire was going to be the favorite, after he put 138 yards and a touchdown on the Houston Texans in the season opener. Hell, he’s probably still the favorite now, with 505 yards on the season (good for 2nd in rushing in the entire NFL). He’s added a dynamic to that Chiefs offense that it makes it even deadlier than it was before.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow looked like he was settling in to the NFL decently – playing a lot better than people might’ve expected right off the bat behind an offensive line that certainly seems intent on getting the guy killed. The Bengals are a lot more competitive than their record would indicate, and a lot of that is because of the spark the Burrow provided at the quarterback position. But, they don’t give out awards on potential, and while the future certainly looks bright for the Tiger King, I don’t know that the production is necessarily there for him to lay claim, head and shoulders, above the rest of the rookie class.

Wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Chase Claypool seem to be coming on strong at this point as well. Jefferson has climbed to #5 in the NFL in receiving yards with 537 yards – averaging 116.8 yards per game over the last four games. Kid’s a difference maker, and is currently the highest graded wide receiver in the league per Pro Football Focus.

Meanwhile, Claypool is turning into an outright WEAPON for the Pittsburgh Steelers offense. He has 184 yards and FIVE total touchdowns in the last two games. He’s also found himself as the 6th highest graded wide receiver per Pro Football Focus this season.

But there’s one guy that I still think is hiding in the weeds in this discussion that could really emerge as a RotY candidate if his team could start closing out games – that’s Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

I absolutely love the moxie with which this kid has come in and played with right away. He’s got an absolute cannon, and sends that ball into orbit. Just look at all the bombs he had in that Saints game. He was the first rookie to throw four touchdowns in a game on Monday Night Football in that one. Herbert has risen to 4th in the NFL in passing yards per game. He’s thrown nine touchdowns to three picks. And, he’s currently the 9th highest rated passer in the league.

The Chargers just aren’t winning games – it’s the same story as 2019. They play in all of these close contests, but they just can’t come away with wins. If his team can start closing some of these out, he might get a larger spotlight. But, he’s playing great so far.

Herbert benefits from playing a position of major impact, and a race that has largely been muddled so far in 2020. He could be a guy to answer to as this race shakes down…especially if the Chargers start winning.

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley

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