Justin Herbert Taking New Offense As Learning Opportunity

It's only been one season, but Justin Herbert already looks like a future star at quarterback. He was named the league's Rookie of the Year on Thursday after throwing for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns in his first season in the NFL.

His second season will look a little different, though, as he'll be adjusting to an entirely new coaching staff. After back-to-back losing seasons under Anthony Lynn, the team parted ways and ultimately hired Brandon Staley as his replacement.

Staley then brought in Joe Lombardi to be his offensive coordinator. That will mark Herbert's fourth consecutive season with a new playcaller, dating back to his days at Oregon. Does that bother Herbert? Apparently not.

Instead, he's taking this as a opportunity.

"I’ve been through this before. It would be great to have one playbook throughout your career, but it’s not going to always happen like that,” Herbert said, via the Associated Press. “I think it’s a great opportunity to learn.

"You always learn from each playbook. I think you have a great understanding of the game of football the more you go through it. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from so many different guys and philosophies, and I think that’s helped my game. Hopefully, this is the last change that I’ll go through because I really believe in those two guys."

If there's one positive aspect of this situation for Herbert, it's that he's familiar with it. He understands what it takes to learn a new offensive system while continuing to be productive.

This is also a guy who found out he was starting his first NFL game moments before it started, so having an entire offseason to learn a new playbook shouldn't be a concern. He's got the tools, and he's also got the talent around him.

Big things are in his future.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.

















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Clint Lamb is a College Football Writer for OutKick. Managing Editor for Roll Tide Wire. Sports radio host for The Bullpen on 730/103.9 The UMP. Co-host for The 'Bama Beat podcast through The Tuscaloosa News and TideSports.com.