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In a thrilling battle between the Chargers and Browns, Los Angeles came out victorious by the score of 47-42.
To recap the season opener, here is everything we know:
It was over when…
Following Austin Ekeler’s rushing touchdown to put the Chargers up by five, the Browns had 1:31 to score but could not find the end zone on eight attempts.
Keys of the game
The Chargers scored 26 points in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles finished 4-of-4 in the red zone.
1,025 total yard offense, 683 passing yards, 52 first downs. 68 plays each.
4 stars of the game
QB Justin Herbert: 398 yards, 5 total touchdowns
WR Mike Williams: 8 receptions, 165 yards, 2 touchdowns
RB Austin Ekeler: 119 yards from scrimmage, 2 touchdowns
S Derwin James: 17 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack
Quick takes
Facing one of the league’s best defenses and putting up the performance Herbert did does not come around all that often. It is time to consider Herbert as a serious contender for MVP.
Over the last three games, Herbert has 12 touchdowns and zero turnovers.
After combining for 48 yards receiving a week ago, Mike Williams and Keenan Allen totaled 165 and 75 yards, respectively. The two made up 25 of 42 targets.
While Herbert was sacked twice and the referees did miss a couple of instances of holding, the Chargers mitigated the Browns front for the most part with quick throws, chip blocks, double teams and plays outside of the structure.
Myles Garrett got the better of Rashawn Slater a couple of times, but the rookie held his own. Slater was more comfortable handling Garrett on an island as opposed to getting help from chips, which resulted in pressure when it occurred.
Getting better inside the red zone was one of the team’s primary focuses after early-season struggles, and they have done a fantastic job of executing in recent weeks. Today, the Chargers were a perfect 4-of-4.
The run defense has been an issue all season, but this marked their worst against Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, who ran wild for 230 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries. The Chargers’ defensive front does not possess enough talent to control the line of scrimmage on a consistent basis.
In the words of head coach Brandon Staley, “Third down is second down.” Los Angeles went for it on fourth down three times, including one play from their own 24-yard line, and were successful on all attempts.
The referees have been porous all season and while it benefited the Chargers, the defensive pass interference penalty on AJ Green in coverage on Mike Williams that led to the game-tying touchdown should not have been called.
The defense gave up 305 yards passing, the most this season. The coverage was sound for the most part, but missed tackles were the primary culprit, including Nasir Adderley’s attempt on David Njoku that resulted in a 74-yard TD.
The Chargers could potentially be considering searching for another kicker after Tristan Vizcaino missed two extra points, including one late in the game.
What’s next?
The Chargers are on the road to take on the Ravens next Sunday, Oct. 17 at 10:00 am PT.