Game Balls: 6 standouts from Chargers’ win over Browns

Highlighting seven individuals that had a big impact on the Chargers’ victory over the Browns.

The Chargers defeated the Browns in a thrilling game, 47-42.

Which players had the most significant impact on the contest?

A look at six standouts from Week 5’s victory:

QB Justin Herbert

I apologize to those who sat Herbert on the bench of their fantasy football teams after someone said he would have a low output day because he was facing the top-ranked defense. When in reality, Herbert’s performance could have picked up the slack of two or three players that might have done zilch. Herbert went 26-of-43 for a career-high 398 yards and five total touchdowns, including his third game-winning drive of the season (best in the NFL). Over his last three outings, he has 12 touchdowns and zero turnovers against three of the best teams in the AFC. Can you say MVP?

WR Mike Williams & Keenan Allen

After combining for 48 yards receiving a week ago, Williams and Allen were once again integral pieces of the passing game, totaling 165 and 75 yards, respectively. The two made up 25 of the 42 targets. After his pair of touchdowns, Williams now has six on the year, most in the NFL. On the other hand, Allen may only have one touchdown, and while he has dealt with more drops compared to recent seasons, he has delivered in clutch situations with two catches on third down and once on fourth down.

RB Austin Ekeler

Ekeler continued to be a primary focal point of the offense. Nearly half of the team’s points belonged to him, as Ekeler amassed three total touchdowns on the day, which all took place in the fourth quarter. He racked up 66 yards off 17 carries while adding five catches for 53 yards. Ekeler is tied with Titans’ Derrick Henry for first in the league in total touchdowns (7).

S Derwin James

Even though the Chargers had arguably their worst defensive showing of the season, there was one player who still kept making positive plays. Showing up in all three phases, James had 17 total tackles, 14 of which came in the first half. In addition, he had four run stops, two tackles for loss, and a sack. When James is on the field, the defense is better.

HC Brandon Staley

Staley earning a game ball should not come as a surprise at this point, as this marks the third straight week that he has been given one. In the words of 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 Chargers are 7-of-8 on fourth down this season. Staley’s aggressiveness continues to pay off, and there is warming confidence oozing throughout the team with him at the helm.