The Chargers battled with the Chiefs in a tight matchup, but they were unable to prevail, dropping the contest by the score of 23-20.
After the loss, let’s see what the nation thinks of Los Angeles:
USA Today: 15 (Previous: 18)
“As part of his unexpected but impressive debut Sunday, rookie Justin Herbert became first Bolts QB to score a rushing TD since 2011.”
Touchdown Wire: 13 (Previous: 13)
“The Chargers lost 23-20 in overtime, but Herbert completed 22 of 33 passes for 311 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also ran for a touchdown, becoming the first rookie to throw and run for a touchdown in the first half of his first NFL game since Bob Clatterbuck of the Giants did it in 1954. His interception was a horrid throw into triple coverage, but regardless of Herbert’s growing pains, kudos to Lynn for handling the situation with aplomb, as seems to be his way.”
NFL: 18 (Previous: 20)
“That’s why you always stay ready, kids. Justin Herbert didn’t know he was making his NFL debut until right before kickoff on Sunday, which made the resulting performance against the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs all the more impressive. Herbert kept his poise and made a number of quality throws, giving the offense a spark it didn’t have under Tyrod Taylor in Week 1. Taylor spent part of his Sunday in a hospital dealing with chest pains, but head coach Anthony Lynn said the veteran will remain the starter if healthy. To which we ask … why? Herbert is the future of the franchise, and he’s now proved he can learn on the job while keeping the Chargers competitive. Tyrod Taylor is a good man, but he’s not the right man for these Chargers at QB1.”
ESPN: 18 (Previous: 22)
“Ekeler was targeted just once against Cincinnati a week ago. Coach Anthony Lynn realized Ekeler needed to be more involved against the Chiefs, and he was electric. Ekeler had four catches for 55 yards and ran the ball 16 times for 93 yards. He got the extra yard where none was expected. The undrafted and little-known 5-foot-10 back out of Western Colorado figures to be important down the road. He should, as he signed a four-year $24.5 million contract extension in March.”
CBS Sports: 15 (Previous: 15)
“It looks like Tyrod Taylor is back in at quarterback after missing last week, but they have to feel good about the way rookie Justin Herbert played. He is the future.”
Sports Illustrated: 15
“One whiffed coaching decision from being 2-0 with a win over the Chiefs and an ascending rookie quarterback. Kudos to Anthony Lynn for not abandoning Tyrod Taylor yet, but also nice work in getting Justin Herbert ready with almost zero practice reps during a pandemic.”
Sporting News: 16 (Previous: 13)
“Justin Herbert may not have the starting gig for good, Anthony Lynn says? What the? Going back to Tyrod Taylor, even if healthy, would not make any sense. Plus, it’s the Panthers in Week 3, a great game for Herbert to keep building confidence. The rookie leaning so well on running game, defense and good receivers had to be inspiring, right?”