The Chargers are coming off one of their most complete performances with a 34-13 win over the Broncos.
Here are a few players who shined and struggled in Sunday’s victory over Denver.
Star: WR Andre Roberts
Roberts supplied a massive special teams spark with kick returns of 47 yards and one of 101 yards that was returned to the house in the fourth quarter, becoming the only active player with three kickoff return touchdowns and three punt return touchdowns in his career. Roberts was a midseason addition for the Bolts and he showed why he is a strong candidate to be re-signed at the end of the season.
Star: QB Justin Herbert
Herbert wrote his name in the history books once again, but this time, it was quite significant. His 45-yard touchdown to Mike Williams set a franchise record for most passing touchdowns in a single season with 35. Additionally, the sophomore quarterback became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 800 completions. Herbert managed to do so in just 31 games.
Studs: RBs Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson
Ekeler and Jackson made up more than half of Bolts’ total yards with 173. For much of the season, the run game consisted of Ekeler alone. However, it appears they have finally established a nice one-two punch to boost the offensive output heading into the final game of the regular season and potentially the postseason. Furthermore, this is the eighth time this season that Ekeler has reached 100 yards from scrimmage.
Stud: OT Trey Pipkins
Credit goes to the entire offensive line for allowing just two pressures on 33 dropbacks. But the spotlight specifically goes on Pipkins for stepping in and performing well in his second start this season. While the Broncos were without their top pass rusher, Bradley Chubb, Pipkins still managed to get the job done in pass protection and as a run blocker. Things are looking up for the player who many were writing off.
Dud: Tackling
There wasn’t a player in particular who played poorly enough to find themselves in this category, but rather a specific area. Drew Lock’s stat line of 18-of-25 passing for 245 yards looks decent on paper, but that’s primarily a product of a handful of yards after the catch allowed due to poor tackling by the defensive backs in the open field.