The Chargers are finally remembering that they have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL

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

When Herbert entered the league in the long-forgotten memory of the 2020 NFL season due to COVID-19, hopes were high that the Chargers found not only the replacement for Phillip Rivers, but also the man to finally unite the Bolts title.

What emerged after that first promising rookie season was three head coaches, one playoff appearance (a blown halftime lead on the road), four different offensive schemes and disrespect. A lot of disrespect.

In fact, it seems like most NFL members just have doubts about a generationally gifted quarterback. Herbert has size, size, intelligence, dedication and is tough. None of this has resulted in division titles or playoff victories, leading to the term “charging” — finding a way to lose when victory should be inevitable — becoming a household word around the league.

January should finally change all that. After all, Harbaugh is the quarterback whisperer! He turned around Alex Smith's career, found Colin Kaepernick, made JJ McCarthy a top-15 draft pick and won a national championship.

Hopes were high … and then Harbaugh hired Greg Roman as offensive coordinator, signaling his commitment to the running game and a return to the offenses of 20 years ago. Chargers fans who had dreamed of seeing Herbert win MVP were suddenly worried that the team was forgetting 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. Despite the fact that Herbert suffered an ankle injury that affected his game, he did not throw the ball at all. Certainly the talent at the skill positions was considered subpar, as it seemed like the team had forgotten that it had one of the best quarterbacks in the league under center.

Instead, it was what we were all promised: a lot of running and not a lot of passing. Even when Quentin Johnston suddenly looked like he was actually competent as a wide receiver, the team didn't let go of Herbie.

Until 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 one touchdown and no interceptions.

Herbert was mobile in a pocket that, despite all the offensive injuries, was actually clean for most of the game. No. 10 and the offense simply beat their AFC West rivals.

The team finally let Herbert cook, but also remained consistent in the run game, showing that balance is possible, rather than the predictable, run-centric offense that fans saw in the first four games of the year.

The game was finally over when the Chargers launched a 19-play drive that took up more than 10 minutes of the game and mixed both the running game and passing game. Ladd McConkey, who needs an ice bath, Johnston, Kimani Vidal, JK Dobbins, Josh Palmer and Will Dissly all helped with their catches. When the Broncos attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, it was too little, too late.

The Bolts ultimately terminated their franchise's quarterback protection program and unleashed him in the Mile High City. We need to see more of this 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.