Anthony Lynn finally admitted what the world saw: Justin Herbert's time is now.
The Los Angeles Chargers head coach announced Thursday that Herbert will be the team's starting quarterback moving forward.
Lynn added that the job is Herbert's for the rest of the season, and the rookie won't have to worry about being benched during any rough patches.
"He got thrown in the fire. I thought he handled the situation well and I want to see more of him," Lynn said. "It's not going to be a situation where he's looking over his shoulder. He's our starting quarterback. He makes a bad play, he has a bad game, he's our quarterback."
The No. 6 overall pick took over starting duties on short notice in Week 2 after veteran Tyrod Taylor suffered a rib injury and a punctured lung after complications from an injection mishap.
It's an unfortunate situation for Taylor, who struggled Week 1 while battling the rib issue but helped the Chargers to their only win of the season thus far. Lynn stuck by the veteran early after the injury.
Herbert's play on the field is what ultimately pushed the coach to name the first-round pick the starter moving forward.
The rookie took the reins and ran away with the job.
Displaying poise in the pocket, deft movement, mobility in the open field and an arm that makes cannons jealous , Herbert has been the complete package through three starts. The first-round pick has shown an ability to get through progressions, known where to deliver the football and stood in strong versus pressure. He's made some monster throws while getting crushed in the pocket, including a seed on a deep TD throw against Tampa Bay last week.
"I like the way he's managed the huddle," Lynn added. "I like the way his teammates have responded to him. He is a leader in his own way. It's the total package for me. It wasn't just the big arm in the games. It's the total package."
Herbert has 931 passing yards this season, second-most through a rookie QB's first three games since 1970 (Cam Newton: 1,012 in 2011). His 310.3 passing yards per game ranks fifth in NFL and his 72.0 completion percentage puts him seventh.
Herbert has had an 85-plus passer rating in each of his first three starts. He could become the fifth rookie QB in the Super Bowl era to hit that mark in each of his first four NFL starts. The previous four: HOF Dan Marino, Offensive ROY Robert Griffin III, Carson Wentz and Gardner Minshew.
The offense under Herbert has been able to move the ball up and down the field, and the rookie has displayed the ability to make every throw. Unlike some first-year QBs who come in and are scared into check-downs, Herbert has stretched the field. His 11.0 air-yards-per attempt ranks fifth in the league. The rookie's rapport with top target Keenan Allen also helps in making the move permanent.
The only negative for Herbert is the Chargers' 0-3 record with the rookie at the helm. If the first-round pick continues to play like he has through that span, however, the wins will come.
For Taylor, once again, he's overtaken by a rookie QB who impressed in a big spot.
"It was difficult because it wasn't something of his own doing," Lynn said of Taylor. "Having some history with this young man and knowing what he's capable of, we didn't see all of Tyrod Taylor in the first game that he won. ... It was difficult under these circumstances. But after three weeks of watching Justin and this is why we brought him here, to be our franchise quarterback, and I just think it's time now."
After a few weeks stiff-arming the obvious -- that Herbert earned the job -- Lynn now makes it official. The future is now in L.A.
