The Chargers' start to the 2026 season has been far less than ideal.
Los Angeles sits at 0-4 through the first four weeks and has looked far from the Super Bowl-caliber team many expected.
The reality for the Chargers has been far more disappointing, and so has quarterback Justin Herbert.
It looks like Herbert has regressed in a major way under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, a play caller who was expected to elevate his game. Instead, he's played the worst football of his career.
Overall, Herbert doesn't look comfortable in McDaniel's offense. Things need to be simplified, as former All-Pro Rob Gronkowski pointed out in a recent appearance on the Up & Adams show.
Gronkowski said he believes the Chargers are wasting Herbert and misusing him
and his abilities.
"I just feel like that scheme isn't the right fit for Justin Herbert. He's moving all over the place. I feel like he just needs to zing the ball. He has an unbelievable arm. He's got power. He's got accuracy. And there's just too much overthinking there, too much complication. And I would say, just keep him as a pocket-quarterback, a shotgun-quarterback, and keep it simple for him," Gronkowski said.
The former All-Pro tight end is essentially saying that the team has no idea how to utilize Herbert and his skills.
Herbert's stats speak volumes and help explain why they haven't yet collected a win. His 816 passing yards rank 21st in the league; in the process, he has thrown only four touchdowns (tied for 22nd), six interceptions (tied for 27th), and has a 28.0 QBR (29th).
His play has been abysmal, but the others on that side of the ball haven't helped him. The offensive line has been atrocious (and injured), and the pass catchers are dropping passes (and injured).
It's been more of the same for the Chargers this season as it was last season, and Herbert is caught in the middle.
If things don't improve, the Chargers will have a ton of conversations about their direction and potentially Herbert's future.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Rob Gronkowski questions Chargers' offensive approach with Justin Herbert
