David Njoku And Justin Herbert Could Form A Dangerous Connection

New Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku did not need many words to describe what he has seen from Justin Herbert since joining the Bolts. “He’s a sharpshooter,” Njoku said following practice this past weekend. “It’s good to have him on our side.” While the comment was brief, it offered an intriguing glimpse into what could become one of the Chargers’ most important offensive connections for the upcoming season. Njoku and Herbert's strengths could complement one another extremely well, and it ultimately could be the key to unlocking another level of the offense. Herbert has built his reputation on his arm talent, accuracy and ability to make throws into tight windows. Few quarterbacks can consistently deliver the ball downfield with the velocity and precision that Herbert consistently portrays, giving him the ability to take advantage of even the smallest openings in coverage. On the other hand, Njoku gives him a target capable of maximizing those opportunities. The veteran tight end has proven that his size, athleticism and physicality present matchup problems for opposing defenses. That versatility could give Herbert another reliable option when defenses attempt to take away the Bolts' other weapons. The biggest benefit may be the freedom Njoku can create for the entire offense, especially in the redzone. Defenses will have to account for him when he lines up inline, in the slot or out wide. If they devote additional attention to Njoku, opportunities could open elsewhere for Los Angeles’ receivers. If they choose to leave him isolated, Herbert has the arm talent to consistently find him. That is where the relationship between the two could become especially valuable. Njoku does not need to be the centerpiece of the Chargers offense to make a major impact. Simply being another legitimate threat for Herbert to utilize could make the entire passing game more difficult to defend. For Herbert, having a tight end with Njoku’s skill set also gives him another answer when a play breaks down. Njoku’s ability to use his frame and athleticism to make contested catches could become particularly valuable when Herbert is forced to extend plays. There is still plenty of work to be done before the two can establish themselves as one of the league’s most productive quarterback-tight end combinations. Training camp chemistry is only the beginning. But Njoku’s early assessment of Herbert shows that the veteran already understands what he is working with. “He’s a sharpshooter.”