NFL Awards Outlook as Playoffs Approach
With just ten weeks left in the NFL season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape, along with the contenders for individual awards.
The MVP award, naturally, has sparked quite a bit of chatter. Players like Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones are making headlines for the Indianapolis Colts, while Drake Maye appears to be making his mark similarly to past Patriots quarterbacks. Then there’s Matthew Stafford, who seems to be reliving his best moments with the Rams.
Yet, one name often overlooked is Justin Herbert, the talented quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite impressive numbers that show his team as a genuine playoff contender, Herbert isn’t always in the conversation.
Teammate Ladd McConkie, though perhaps a little biased, insists Herbert deserves more recognition. “He’s a stallion,” McConkie remarked, while discussing his involvement with Dr. Pepper. He added, “What more does he need to do? He stays focused and doesn’t dwell on what’s not said.” McConkie believes all Herbert needs to do is keep playing, and everything else will fall into place.
Currently, the Chargers stand at 7-3 under head coach Jim Harbaugh, buoyed by a three-game winning streak following Herbert’s standout performance against the Steelers. As McConkie pointed out, Herbert has been crucial, ranking second in passing yards and tied for third in touchdown passes.
This season, something has shifted in Herbert’s game—he’s been making strides in his rushing abilities, leading all quarterbacks with 324 rushing yards. His willingness to run has kept defenses on their toes, yet he still grapples with eight interceptions. It’s evident he wants to minimize that number, especially with key injuries impacting the offensive line.
McConkie’s connection with Herbert blossomed since he joined the team last year. Putting up impressive stats himself, he has continued to build their chemistry on the field, adapting to Herbert’s expectations with each game.
As the season unfolds, with seven more games to go, there’s room for Herbert’s name to surface more as MVP discussions heat up. Still, McConkie reminds us that their primary goal is making the playoffs, aiming to improve on last year’s wild card exit against the Texans.
While it may be a busy weekend for McConkie—with the Chargers gearing up to face the Jaguars—he also has an eye on college football, particularly the matchup between Georgia and Texas.
Dr. Pepper aims to elevate the college football experience this season with its innovative “Pepper Portal,” which connects rival fan bases and enhances game day excitement. McConkie views this initiative as a tremendous opportunity to unite fans, especially with Georgia’s passionate support.
