The Chargers offense got a boost over the offseason — especially in the draft — and Justin Herbert has seen the benefits of it so far through camp.
The Bolts franchise quarterback has been letting it loose to rookie receivers such as Tre’ Harris and KeAndre-Lambert-Smith as he continues to gain a connection with them in practice.
Even as rookies, it's hard to ignore how they've fit in their first NFL Training Camp.
"They've made a bunch of plays," Herbert said on Monday about the rookie receivers. "We've asked them to do a lot, we're asking those guys to fill in and play multiple positions and they've done a great job picking up the offense.
"They just go out there and make plays, they continue to get two feet inbounds and adapt to the NFL," Herbert added. "It's been really fun to see."
Harris, a second-round pick, has shown up in a big way by flashing in all parts of the field with Herbert, including a big day on Sunday.
So has Lambert-Smith, who continues to produce some of the highlight plays of Chargers Camp so far.
Whether it's adjusting midair or coming back for the ball, the fifth rounder's ability to track the football in the air has stuck out in a big way.
"I think that's really important, especially playing the receiver position," Herbert said about Lambert-Smith. "It's a skill that it's hard to learn, but it's either you got it or you don't, and he does.
"He's made a bunch of plays like that where he just has a great feel for the sideline, understanding where the ball is and how to go up and get it at a high point," he added. "It's really good see from a young receiver like that."
Don't forget about another young weapon in Oronde Gadsden, who has had his fair share of work load with Herbert.
Gadsden once again shined in Monday’s practice, including a touchdown from Herbert during a red zone session.
His mismatch ability has been more than apparent to the Bolts quarterback.
"He showed up and he was impressive," Herbert said about Gadsden. "He was making a bunch of plays and we've seen the same thing from him over the past couple of weeks. He's picked up the offense really quickly and he's a big threat out there that is really fast as well.
"He's tough to cover for a safety and tough to cover for a linebacker," Herbert added. "I think that's why he was so attractive to the guys upstairs."
The Chargers offense continues to chug along as one of the younger skill groups following the retirement of Mike Williams.
Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey and Derius Davis are just the few with multiple years of experience as it stands in the receiver room.
But it hasn't been an issue, says Herbert, as they've been as good of a young group as they could ask for.
"I wouldn't say any challenges. I think they've done such a great job of attacking every day," Herbert said. "You ask a lot of rookie receivers and I think that can always be a tough part of learning a new offense. I don't think that's been an issue at all.
"Those guys are so well coached and really hungry," Herbert added. "They just want to go out there and play, compete at a very high level and it shows."
Herbert has also played a part in the process of getting them up to speed.
The Bolts quarterback talked about how he factors in with these young players as he has a big role now as a veteran.
"I think as you go through and experience different coverages, different routes, you kind of get a feeling about what you think is best," Herbert said. "I think over the past couple of years, whether it's different offense, different concepts but just different names, I feel like we got a pretty good feel for what we want and what we need to do to be successful.
"Working through that with the young receivers and telling them, 'Hey, this is what we see from this offense, this route concept,'" Herbert added. "I think as long as you go through that, you're going to get better and better."
Not to mention, Year 2 under this same offense brings a much different level of comfort and understanding for Herbert.
It is just the second time in his career he's been under the same offense for consecutive years, as he has enjoyed continuing to grow in Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman's scheme
With reps and experience comes more command, and Herbert continues to get more and more comfortable with another year under his belt — and he has seen it pay dividends so far.
"I think it's just continuing to learn the offense," Herbert said. "Doing everything we can to go out there and understanding exactly what Coach Roman wants when he calls a specific play, going out there and attacking it and seeing it the way he wants it to be seen.
Herbert later added: "I feel like we're steps ahead of where we were last year. Just continue to build and get better."