Chargers Daily Links: Herbert’s sudden start the biggest surprise of 2020

We’re two weeks into the 2020 NFL season, and there’s been plenty of surprises up to this point. For the Chargers, I don’t know how the biggest surprise this season is not Justin Herbert’s sudden start on Sunday against the Chiefs.

With moments to spare prior to the opening kickoff, Herbert was informed he was about to face the reigning Super Bowl champs in his first career NFL start. He went on to score a pair of touchdowns and throw for 311 yards, one of the top marks for a rookie in his debut.

ESPN’s Shelley Smith, the Bolts’ new reporter on the Chargers beat, is of the firm belief that Herbert’s performance was not just a flash in the pan, but a true sign of things to come.

“Nobody expected the No. 6 overall pick to play this early, but he was forced into starting after Tyrod Taylor’s pregame injury. Will Herbert keep the job? We shall see what happens Week 3 against the Panthers. Fans are screaming for Herbert, but Coach Anthony Lynn said Monday that if Taylor is healthy, he’s the starter. Herbert flashed during his debut, becoming the first player with a rushing and passing touchdown in the first half of their first game since the Giants’ Bobby Clatterbuck in 1954.”

It remains to be seen if Tyrod Taylor will actually be healthy enough to start this week, but if he is unable to go, we’ll get to see Herbert against the NFL’s worst and youngest defense in the Carolina Panthers.

Now for today’s links.

Chargers News:

Check out the best photos from Sunday’s game against the Chiefs (Chargers.com)

Gavino Borquez polls fans about who should start at quarterback in Week 3 (Chargers Wire)

Gavino Borquez collects all the power ranking results for the Chargers after Week 2 (Chargers Wire)

Alexander Insdorf doesn’t think Anthony Lynn truly hates Justin Herbert (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:

Rob Gronkowski details his dream Florida vacation (ESPN)

CBS Sports’ Week 3 waiver wire for fantasy football (CBS Sports)

Hayden Hurst thanked Dak Prescott for discussing mental health (Pro Football Talk)

The NFL is also fining Jon Gruden and Sean Payton for not wearing their masks on MNF (Pro Football Talk)

The Giants signed RB Devonta Freeman to a 1-year deal (Bleacher Report)

Jake Trotter highlights the dynamic backfield duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt (ESPN)