Tag: Chargers vs. Browns

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 9 win over Browns

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest-graded Chargers players from the win over the Browns.

In Week 9, the Chargers defeated the Browns, 27-10.

En route to victory, there were some standout performers and others who did not contribute as much.

That said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

OT Rashawn Slater — 75.7

QB Justin Herbert — 74.7

WR Ladd McConkey — 72.6

WR Joshua Palmer — 70.8

WR Quentin Johnston — 70.1

Top 5 Defense

EDGE Khalil Mack — 89.0

LB Troy Dye — 86.9

S Derwin James — 85.7

S Alohi Gilman — 81.4

CB Tarheeb Still — 79.4

Bottom 5 Offense

OL Zion Johnson — 41.9

TE Will Dissly — 45.7

TE Eric Tomlinson — 51.5

RB Kimani Vidal — 51.9

WR Jalen Reagor — 53.8

Bottom 5 Defense

EDGE Joey Bosa — 46.0

CB Cam Hart — 47.6

DL Otito Ogbonnia — 48.0

LB Denzel Perryman — 53.3

EDGE Bud Dupree — 64.0

Social media reacts to Chargers’ win over the Browns

Here is how social media reacted to the Chargers’ win, with most praising Jesse Minter for engineering another strong defensive performance.

The Chargers defeated the Browns on Sunday.

The Bolts are now 5-3.

Here’s how social media reacted to the Week 9 win:

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Browns

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 27-10 win over the Browns.

The Chargers beat the Browns on Sunday afternoon, improving to 5-3.

Here’s our recap of the Week 9 win.

It was over when…

The Chargers went up 20-3 right before the half. The offense was rolling, and the defense was stymying Jameis Winston and company. The defensive dominance carried over into the second half.

Notable number

According to NextGen Stats, Justin Herbert has reached 100+ passing yards on passes over ten air yards in three straight games since their Week 5 bye. He totaled just 145 yards on such attempts in Weeks 1-4.

3 stars of the game

  1. QB Justin Herbert: Herbert put together yet another strong performance, completing 18-of-27 passes for 282 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
  2. WR Quentin Johnston: Johnston led the team in receiving with 118 yards on four catches, including a 66-yard TD.
  3. Defense: 6 sacks, 3 interceptions

Quick hits

  • The Chargers defense pitched a near-shutout. Jesse Minter’s unit allowed a field goal before a garbage-time touchdown in the final minute. The Browns managed only 57 yards in the first half. They sacked Jameis Winston six times and picked him off three times.
  • The Chargers had the best scoring defense coming into the game, and they only improved as they gave up just 10 points.
  • Fifth-round pick Tarheeb Still played a vital role in the defense’s solid day. Still had an interception and two passes defended.
  • The interior pass rush hasn’t been effective this season, but they finally got a spark from Morgan Fox, who had two sacks.
  • The run defense was stout, limiting Nick Chubb to just 2.9 yards per carry.
  • Herbert posted his third straight total of over 275 passing yards and second consecutive contest of multiple passing touchdowns. He also didn’t throw an interception, marking his sixth straight game without a pick.
  • J.K. Dobbins had two rushing touchdowns, including a scamper for 34, but he was largely ineffective outside of that carry as he struggled to find running room.
  • The Chargers’ second-half offensive struggles popped up again. They only managed one first down on their first five drives.

What’s next?

The Chargers are back home to face the Titans next Sunday, Nov. 10, at 1:05 pm PT.

Chargers vs. Browns: Going behind enemy lines to preview Week 9 matchup

To get an idea of what to expect from the Chargers’ Week 9 opponent, we went Behind Enemy Lines with Browns Wire editor Cory Kinnan.

The Chargers head to Cleveland on Sunday for an AFC matchup with the Browns. Both rosters look vastly different from the last time the two teams played in 2022.

To get an idea of what to expect from the Browns, we went Behind Enemy Lines with Browns Wire editor Cory Kinnan.

What impact has Jameis Winston’s insertion into the starting lineup had on this Browns offense?

It’s pretty hard to deny the impact of the quarterback position in Cleveland after seeing Joe Flacco routinely throw for 300 yards, then none for the first seven games of the 2024 season, then one the week a quarterback change happened. This is a talented roster, and the most important aspect inserting Winston changes is the protection up front. With Winston getting the ball out on time, the pass protection looks night-and-day different.

Cleveland is playing like a league-average defense after finishing first in EPA/play last season. What’s changed on that unit?

They kind of got back into a rhythm last week against the Ravens. Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. has certainly shown some regression, which is hurting the defense as a whole. For the most part, however, they have just been on the field way too much. With sustained offensive drives a week ago, the defense was able to catch its breath and retake the field well-rested.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was ruled out early in the week. How does his absence affect what the Browns want to do defensively?

Losing a battery in the middle of the defense is not easy, especially with their MIKE linebacker out as well in Jordan Hicks. However, they have gotten stellar play out of former undrafted linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, which softens the blow. However, Devin Bush will likely start at WILL in place of Owusu-Koramoah, and that is a massive blow to the Browns defensively. There is no replacing the ability to avoid blocks and instantly shoot gaps that Owusu-Koramoah brings to the field.

How close is Nick Chubb to 100%? Should Chargers fans be worried about him going for 134 yards and 2 TDs as he did last time these two teams met?

He showed signs of his old self last week against the Ravens, finding narrow backside cuts that only a select view backs have the vision to hunt out. Chubb has shown he’s not bracing for contact and isn’t fearing initiating it, either. He’s pretty close if he isn’t 100 percent yet. The run blocking up front is the main issue here, not the health of Chubb.

What’s your score prediction for the game?

This Browns roster is excellent. They were a year ago and had been anchored by inept quarterback play. They could still make a run in a down AFC over the next few weeks. That run continues this week. It won’t be easy against a physical and well-coached Chargers team, but the Browns pull it out 27-24.

3 bold predictions for Chargers in Week 9 vs. Browns

The Chargers travel to Cleveland for a big AFC game that could play a decisive role in the postseason down the road.

If the Chargers want a legitimate shot at the postseason, they will have to start reeling off consecutive victories. There’s no better chance to do so than this weekend against a fellow AFC squad in the Browns.

Despite being on the road in Cleveland, Los Angeles is a 1.5-point favorite in Week 9. Without further ado, here are some bold predictions for this weekend’s matchup.

Ladd McConkey records his second consecutive 100+ yard game

No Charger had a 100+ yard receiving game until Week 8. That is until McConkey racked up a career-high 111 receiving yards against the Saints. The rookie continues to improve each passing week, and he’s established himself as Justin Herbert’s favorite weapon. In Week 9, McConkey should be able to take advantage of the Browns in the slot. Their best cornerback, Denzel Ward, primarily resides on the outside. Without many true threats on the outside, expect the Bolts to continue feeding McConkey a heavy dose of targets.

Chargers win the turnover battle by 2+

The Browns are one of the worst teams in the NFL regarding turnover margin. They are tied for 25th with a -4 turnover differential, albeit most of these numbers did come with Deshaun Watson at quarterback. On the flip side, the Chargers rank fifth with a margin of +6. It’s been a large reason why they have a winning record. Herbert’s ability to protect the football has been the main contributor to the turnover differential, as he has thrown just one interception in 196 pass attempts this season.

Despite appearing in just 99 games in his career, Jameis Winston ranks eighth amongst active quarterbacks in interceptions with 99. His interception rate is the highest among the top-25 in interception leaders. While he remains a better option than Watson, the Chargers defense should be able to take advantage of his aggressive playstyle.

Defense racks up 4+ sacks

No team in the NFL has given up more sacks in 2024 than the Cleveland Browns. They’ve given up six more sacks (37) than the next team in line. Couple that with the fact that Joey Bosa seems likely to play, and this prediction doesn’t even feel all that bold. Khalil Mack has been tremendous this season, so I expect him to get into that action as well.

Chargers players stand by HC Brandon Staley’s risky fourth-down call

Justin Herbert and Derwin James sounded off on Brandon Staley’s fourth-down decision in the Chargers’ victory over the Browns.

It was a wild afternoon for the Chargers when they faced the Browns on Sunday afternoon.

Their 30-28 victory almost slipped away after Brandon Staley decided not to punt on fourth down with 1:14 remaining.

Instead, Staley called a timeout, and Justin Herbert threw a slant to Mike Williams on fourth-and-1, which was broken up by rookie cornerback Martin Emerson Jr.

“It just really felt like the slant to (WR) Mike (Williams) was going to be the play call there,” Staley said.” It just didn’t go down for us, but I had a lot of confidence in our defense to go out there and get them stopped.”

Cleveland got the ball back with L.A. hanging on to its two-point lead. The Browns had zero timeouts left and made it to the Bolts’ 35 to set up for a winning field goal. 

Chargers fans everywhere held their breaths as Cleveland’s rookie kicker Cade York took the field. The former LSU product missed the 54-yard field goal attempt and Los Angeles escaped with a win. 

Despite the win, many questioned Staley’s decision on fourth down. Nevertheless, he explained his aggressive call postgame. 

“I just wanted to finish the game with the ball,” Staley said. “I felt like we liked the play and we liked the matchup. We knew what coverage they were going to be in. We wanted to finish the game on our terms on third down. We felt like we had a good run-up against that defense. We had a pass solution. They defended it well.”

Afterward, players of the team defended Staley’s risky call, including Herbert, who admired his coach’s belief in the team’s ability to be successful on a nail-biting play. 

“I think it says a lot that he believes in us,” Herbert said. “ Just like I believe in our offensive line, our receivers, and our running backs. I knew that we would go out there and convert. It did not go our way, unfortunately, but we were riding with that play. The defense came with that big stop when we were down.”

Even safety Derwin James supported his coach, which should be a testament to this team’s camaraderie.  

“We are with them. We are going for it even though they didn’t get it, so what we have to go out there and get a stop. It’s on us to get the stop, we believe in our offense, we are going to go for it again. We don’t care.”

Although Staley’s call didn’t go as planned, it should be a comforting sight to see that his players stood behind his decision. The Chargers have some polishing up to do; however, the solidarity within a team is a factor that is paramount to a winning franchise. 

Studs and duds from Chargers’ victory over Browns

Here’s who came through and who disappointed in the Chargers’ victory over the Browns.

The Chargers went into Cleveland and found a way to win, moving to 3-2 with a 30-28 victory over the Browns after rookie kicker Cade York missed a potential game-winner.

Los Angeles finally found a rhythm offensively, but there are still a few areas for improvement.

Here’s who helped secure the victory and who needs to step up next week.

Stud: Austin Ekeler

Ekeler carried his momentum from last week’s three-touchdown performance into this one, finishing with nearly 200 yards from scrimmage on just 19 touches. The star running back looked like his usual self in Cleveland, finding plenty of running lanes and making defenders miss at nearly every turn. Even if you subtract his 71-yard scamper in the first quarter, Ekeler averaged 6.8 yards per carry. He also passed Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson for most games with a rushing and receiving touchdown in franchise history with eight.

Dud: Pass rush

Jacoby Brissett’s known weakness is pressure. The veteran isn’t a particularly mobile quarterback, so pressure forces him to speed up his decision-making and forces him into mistakes. But Los Angeles simply couldn’t generate anything in that area all game. Khalil Mack was shut out by left tackle Jedrick Wills, while Chris Rumph struggled to get close to Brissett all game. Per ESPN, only three Chargers logged a QB hit: Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, and Jerry Tillery. Tillery’s hit resulted in him and Rumph being unable to finish a sack, leading to a Brissett scramble for a first down.

Stud: Joshua Kelley

Kelley’s 4.9 yards per carry average understates how effective he was in this game after finally getting the complement of reps Chargers fans had been begging for him to get. On ten carries and two receptions, Kelley produced 82 yards from scrimmage, combining with Ekeler to produce the best performance from the running backs all season. If there was any question about who RB2 should be behind Ekeler, there isn’t now. Keep getting Kelley the ball, and let the two of them get to work.

Dud: Run defense

Listen, it’s always going to be a tough week when you’re matched up with Nick Chubb and the Browns’ offensive line. But for as much as the Chargers invested into the defensive line this offseason, you cannot give up 7.9 yards a carry to Chubb and 213 yards total. Los Angeles still has a big-play problem in the run game, evident from the jump as they gave up a 40+ yard touchdown run for the third consecutive week. The run defense did come up big in a few moments, holding Chubb to zero or negative yardage a few times in the red zone and coming up with a huge fourth down stop of Kareem Hunt in the third quarter. But overall, the unit needs to improve if this team is going to compete.

Stud: Mike Williams

Sometimes, you just have to let your star players do what they’re good at. What is Mike Williams good at? Winning at the catch point. Williams made life difficult for Cleveland’s corners all game, bringing in 10 receptions for 134 yards on 13 targets. One of those incomplete targets was a failed toe-tap attempt in the end zone. Williams won nearly every one of those ten receptions by simply being bigger and more physical than his defender, essentially playing basketball on grass and coming down with rebounds. Getting Williams into a rhythm like LA did today has proven to be a key factor in moving the ball for the Chargers as Keenan Allen works his way back from his hamstring injury.

Dud: Derwin James

James wasn’t bad in this game by any means, but he’s held to a higher standard than most players because of his superstar status. Today was not his best performance: he got bailed out by a Nick Chubb drop after playing too aggressively on a flat coverage that Chubb leaked upfield and had to fight tooth and nail with David Njoku for large stretches of the game. James seemed to be on the wrong end of plays a bit more often than is typical for the All-Pro but did lead the team in tackles with 14. Typically, a safety leading the team in tackles is a bad sign.

Stud: Responding ability

The Chargers have not had to play from behind very often this season. Typically, the script has been jumping out to an early lead and then hanging on for dear life. But down 14-0 in the first quarter, LA was forced to respond, and they did so. Ekeler’s 71-yard carry in the first quarter got the Chargers on the board and made it clear to them that they would be able to run the ball. They followed that up with two unanswered touchdowns to take a 17-14 lead. A touchdown to open the second half was followed by Christian Covington’s big fourth down stop that led to a Chargers field goal. The questionable decision to go for it on fourth and two late in the game put the defense in a disadvantageous position, but the Bolts’ defense clamped down and forced Cade York into a 54-yarder that he could not convert. It was complementary football all around: when the defense faltered, the offense responded, and vice versa.

Dud: Joshua Palmer

Something about Palmer’s timing with Herbert still seems off five weeks into the season, even after all of the offseason stories lauding the chemistry between the two. Palmer converted only half of his six targets into receptions today, finishing with three catches for 24 yards. Nobody outside of Williams was particularly effective today because of how physically the Browns’ secondary was playing in coverage, but Palmer’s struggles extended beyond the rest. The second-year player dropped two passes and bobbled a couple more, making for an all-around performance to forget.

Top Twitter reactions from Chargers’ 30-28 victory over Browns

How Twitter reacted to the Chargers’ victory over the Browns in Week 5.

The Chargers escaped with a 30-28 victory against the Browns on Sunday afternoon.

The final minutes of the game consisted of a risky call on fourth down by head coach Brandon Staley and a missed field goal by rookie kicker Cade York with 11 seconds remaining in the game.

Here’s how the internet reacted to the nail-biting game:

Everything to know from Chargers’ wild win over Browns

Highlighting everything notable from the Chargers’ Week 5 victory over the Browns.

I have said this before, but it wouldn’t be a Chargers win without doing so in nail-biting fashion. And that’s what happened at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, as Los Angeles barely squeaked out a victory over the Browns.

To recap the Bolts’ 30-28 win, here is everything to know.

Chargers vs. Browns first-half highlights

Get caught up with all the action from the Chargers vs. Browns after two quarters of play.

The Chargers trail the Browns at the half, 21-17.

Here are all of Los Angeles’ notable highlights from the first two quarters.

Down 14-0, the Chargers needed a spark. After a kickoff went through the back of the end zone, Los Angeles started from their own 25. But on first down, Ekeler found a hole, burst through it, and took it 71 yards to the Cleveland 4.

With a first down from their own 44, Joe Lombardi decided to dial up a deep shot. Justin Herbert launched his trademark down-the-field throw and Williams boxed out Denzel Ward and made a leaping grab for 38 yards.

Early in the second quarter, Joshua Kelley made his presence known with a five-yard rushing touchdown. Kelley went untouched after great blocking to seal the edge for him.

With the Chargers facing a second and goal, Herbert was under pressure by Myles Garrett and was forced to make a quick throw to avoid taking a hit. Luckily, the play called for a screen to Ekeler, who hauled in the desperation pass with one hand. Ekeler then made a defender miss and got a few blocks to score from 12 yards out.