Justin Herbert’s 2026 Los Angeles Chargers offense is already drawing rave reviews from Hall of Fame quarterback Phil Simms. The NFL legend called the revamped scheme ‘something to be scared of’ after the Chargers hired new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel this offseason.
Simms made the bold prediction during an appearance on *Bleav in Chargers* with play-by-play voice Matt "Money" Smith. The former Giants great didn’t mince words when asked about the Herbert–McDaniel pairing, delivering a simple but emphatic endorsement: *“I think the Chargers offense will be something to be scared of.”*
What happened?
The Chargers overhauled their offense after a disappointing 2025 playoff exit. Greg Roman was fired as offensive coordinator, and the team lured McDaniel away from the Miami Dolphins to install a new system. McDaniel’s scheme emphasizes wide-zone rushing and a passing attack built to handle top defenses.
Simms praised the hire, calling his reaction *“Oh my God! Good!”* when the Chargers signed McDaniel. The optimism centers on Herbert’s ability to thrive in a more dynamic, adaptable scheme after years of struggles under Roman’s offense.
Why it matters for Justin Herbert
Simms didn’t shy away from critiquing the Chargers’ past offensive failures, especially in 2025. He pointed to Herbert’s brutal season behind a patchwork offensive line, where the quarterback held the ball for the longest average time to throw of his career.
*“Well, Greg Roman saw Justin Herbert and he did what he thought he was doing was right,”* Simms said. *“I got a guy who can really get it down the field and by God we’re gonna try. But the problem with it, it blew up because of offensive line injuries and other things.”*
Simms also highlighted a low point in 2025: the Monday Night Football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, where Herbert played just days after surgery for a broken non-throwing hand. *“I’m watching the game going ‘I hate this game,’”* Simms said. *“Come on, can we just run an extra protection?’”*
What comes next?
The Chargers’ offensive line battle in training camp will be critical. Simms called the unit *“a chance to be really good,”* but stressed that McDaniel’s play-calling could mask any remaining flaws.
*“They got the greatest pass protector, I think, they can get,”* Simms said of McDaniel. *“and that’s the offensive coordinator.”*
The revamped offense aims to fix the issues that plagued Herbert in 2025. If McDaniel’s system clicks, the Chargers could emerge as a legitimate contender in 2026. For now, the buzz is real — and Simms isn’t the only one buying in.
*On 18 Jun 2026, Phil Simms spoke on the Bleav in Chargers podcast with Matt "Money" Smith.*