Dec 6, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) scrambles out of the pocket during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

In 2020, the New England Patriots traveled to Los Angeles to play the Chargers and completely dominated them in a 45-0 victory, the most lopsided defeat in franchise history. Then-rookie quarterback Justin Herbert struggled mightily, going 26-of-53 for 209 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions.

You might think that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick didn’t think much of Herbert because of that. But as the two teams get ready to square off again, this time in SoFi Stadium, the New England coach has nothing but the highest of praise for the burgeoning quarterback star.

“He’s really good,” Belichick told reporters on Monday. “I thought he was outstanding [in college]. He just really had everything you’re looking for. He’s very athletic. Good arm. A lot of poise. Played well in Oregon. Just a number of big plays. All the passes. All the throws, but extended plays, scrambles, could run the read-zone and all that.

“He’s as good a quarterback as I’ve seen come out here in quite a while, especially as it fits the pro game. I don’t think you’re going to find too many better than him. This guy is really an impressive player. I thought he was really good when we played them last year, and, luckily, we had a pretty good day, but I’m not counting on that again. I have a ton of respect for him. I think he’s going to be one of the top quarterbacks in the league for a long time to come.”

The thing that Belichick left unsaid is that perhaps it was very good for him that the Miami Dolphins took Tua Tagovailoa instead of Herbert in the 2020 Draft. Otherwise, he’d be facing him twice a year.

As it is, he will have had to gameplan for Herbert and the Chargers on the road in two consecutive seasons, and, given how improved the young quarterback has been, he’s probably hoping the schedule makers give him a break on that next year.

The Patriots and Chargers will kick off on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET.

[PFT]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.