Out of AFC West race, playoff-bound Chargers to decide how much to play Herbert against Broncos
As the Los Angeles Chargers head into Week 18 of the NFL season, they find themselves in a unique position. With their playoff hopes dashed and little to play for in terms of seeding, the question arises of whether or not quarterback Justin Herbert should take the field in their regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos and their league-leading pass rush.
Justin Herbert, the second-year quarterback out of Oregon, has had a stellar season thus far. He has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the top young quarterbacks in the league. However, with nothing on the line in terms of the playoffs, some may argue that it is not worth risking his health by playing in a game that ultimately does not matter.
On the other hand, there are those who believe that Herbert should play in the Week 18 game against the Broncos. They argue that every game is an opportunity for Herbert to continue to develop and improve as a quarterback. In a league as competitive as the NFL, every snap counts and sitting out a game could potentially hinder his growth as a player.
Furthermore, some may argue that Herbert owes it to his teammates and the organization to play in the final game of the season. Football is a team sport, and by sitting out, Herbert would be letting his teammates down. The Chargers have fought hard all season long, and it would be a disservice to them for Herbert to sit out simply because the game does not hold playoff implications.
Additionally, there is the argument to be made that playing in the Week 18 game could help Herbert build confidence heading into the offseason. A strong performance against a tough Broncos defense could provide Herbert with a positive outlook heading into the offseason, which could ultimately benefit him and the team in the long run.
However, there are also risks involved with Herbert playing in the final game of the season. As previously mentioned, the Broncos boast a league-leading pass rush that could pose a serious threat to Herbert’s health. With nothing to gain from playing in the game, some may argue that it is not worth risking Herbert’s long-term health by exposing him to unnecessary hits.
Furthermore, there is always the risk of Herbert suffering a serious injury that could impact his availability for the upcoming season. In a league as physical as the NFL, injuries are always a concern, and playing in a game that ultimately does not matter only increases the risk of Herbert getting hurt.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not Justin Herbert should play in the Week 18 game against the Broncos is a complex one. There are valid arguments to be made on both sides of the debate, and it ultimately comes down to the coaching staff and Herbert himself to make the final decision.
In the end, it is important to consider the long-term implications of Herbert playing in the final game of the season. While there are benefits to him taking the field, such as continued development and confidence building, there are also risks involved, namely the potential for injury.
As a young quarterback with a bright future ahead of him, it is crucial that the Chargers take a cautious approach when it comes to Herbert’s health and well-being. While it may be tempting to see him play in one last game, the potential consequences of him getting hurt far outweigh any potential benefits.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not Justin Herbert should play in the Week 18 game against the Broncos is a difficult one. It will require careful consideration from both Herbert and the coaching staff, weighing the potential benefits against the risks involved. Whatever decision is ultimately made, it is important that Herbert’s long-term health and well-being are the top priority.
Source: ABC News
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