When Jim Harbaugh left the cold winters of Ann Arbor, Michigan for the sunny skies of Los Angeles in January, LA Chargers fans were salivating over what it could mean for quarterback Justin Herbert.

When Herbert entered the league in the long-forgotten memory of the COVID-19 2020 NFL season, hopes were high that the Chargers would not only find Phillip Rivers’ replacement, but also find the man who would finally lead the Bolts to a title can win.

What happened after that initially promising rookie season was three head coaches, one playoff appearance (a lost halftime lead), four different offensive schemes and disrespect. Lots of disrespect.

In fact, it seems like most of the NFL has nothing but doubts about a generationally gifted quarterback. Herbert has length, size, intelligence, dedication and is tough as nails. None of that has led to division titles or playoff victories, making the term “Chargering” – finding a way to lose when a win should be inevitable – a catchphrase around the league.

January was supposed to finally change all this. After all, Harbaugh is the quarterback whisperer! He changed Alex Smith’s career, found Colin Kaepernick, made JJ McCarthy a top-15 draft pick and won a national championship.

Expectations were high…and then Harbaugh hired Greg Roman as offensive coordinator, signaling a commitment to the running game and a return to the offenses of 20 years ago. Chargers fans who had visions of Herbert being named MVP suddenly became concerned that the team would forget the generational talent they have at the most important position in the sport.

Through the first four games of the 2024 season, those fears were alive and well. It doesn’t matter that Herbert suffered an ankle injury that affected his play, he didn’t throw the ball…at all. Naturally, the talent at the skill positions was assumed to be sub-par because it seemed like the team forgot they had one of the best quarterbacks in the league under center.

Instead, it was what we were all promised: lots of running and not much in the passing game. Even when Quentin Johnston suddenly looked like he might be competent as a wide receiver, the team still didn’t want to let go of Herbie.

See you Sunday.

The Bolts finally remembered on Sunday that Justin Herbert is a superstar. Herbert completed passes to nine different receivers (yes, nine) and threw for 237 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions.

Herbert was mobile in a pocket that was clean for most of the match despite all the attacking injuries. Number 10 and the offense simply defeated their AFC West rivals.

The team ultimately let Herbert cook while also staying consistent in the running game, showing that balance is possible instead of the predictable run-centric offense that fans saw in the first four games of the year.

The game was emphatically over when the Chargers went on a 19-play drive that took up more than 10 minutes of the game, mixing both the run game and the passing game. Ladd McConkey, who needs an ice bath, Johnston, Kimani Vidal, JK Dobbins, Josh Palmer and Will Dissly all contributed with the catches. When the Broncos tried to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, it was too little too late.

The Bolts finally pulled their franchise out of the quarterback protection program and unleashed him in the Mile High City. We should see more of that in the future now that Herbert is healthy. Yes, stay balanced. But damn, Justin Herbert is elite, and Sunday’s game proved it.

Maybe Justin Herbert and the LA Chargers will finally get the respect they deserve.