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Justin Herbert Weighs in on Bradley Bozeman Crushing Nathan Shepherd After Dirty Hit

Justin Herbert took a clear stance on the hit Bradley Bozeman doled out to Nathan Shepherd.

By Jason Schandl

Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is interviewed post game following the overtime victory against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is interviewed post game following the overtime victory against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Los Angeles Chargers fans don't need me to tell them that Justin Herbert was the target of an absolutely egregious cheap shot from New Orleans Saints defender Nathan Shepherd. And they certainly don't need me to highlight just how great a job Bradley Bozeman did in immediately standing up for his quarterback.

But it is nice to hear Justin Herbert heap praise on Bozeman for it. While some players would try to give a diplomatic answer to the media about the situation, Herbert returned Bozeman's favor and immediately went to bat for his center.

That's exactly what you want to see from your team leader, and it's a move that the entire Chargers locker room is going to appreciate.

Chargers fans were thrilled when the team added Bozeman, a six-year NFL vet who already had 77 starts under his belt, this offseason. The veteran hasn't exactly been a one-to-one replacement for Corey Linsley, and his 55.4 grade from PFF ranks just 43rd among 56 qualifying centers. But the attitude and leadership on display on Sunday proves he belongs on this line.

Of course, the unfortunate fact remains that the offensive line is still absolutely a problem for the Chargers. The unit ranks No. 19 in run blocking and No. 24 in pass blocking on PFF, and the 8.3% sack rate they're allowing is the seventh-highest in the NFL.

Bozeman was only signed to a one-year deal this offseason, and if he continues to form a great relationship with Herbert that will make this a tough situation for the front office in the offseason. Do they let him walk because of the shaky on-field results? Or do they re-sign him because of his chemistry with Herbert? Bozeman's play through the rest of the season will be huge in figuring out that balance.

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