COSTA MESA, Calif. — Justin Herbert spotted a slot defender creeping up behind the five down linemen.
“Oh, oh, oh,” the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback alerted running back Austin Ekeler before the snap.
Ekeler noted the threat and confirmed to his quarterback that he’d pick up his responsibility. Then, Ekeler celebrated internally.
“Just that communication in the backfield that we used to have with Philip [Rivers] when he was like 17 years in, that I’m starting to see with Herbert right now,” Ekeler said, comparing his fourth-year quarterback to the eight-time Pro Bowler he began his career alongside.