Quentin Johnston – Syndication Server

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 11

Even after allowing 27 points, the Chargers still have the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL.

The Chargers improved to 7-3 after beating the Bengals in Week 11.

Justin Herbert was lights out in the first half until he wasn’t. He and the rest of the offense stalled in the second half before engineering a game-winning drive. The defense allowed more than 20 points for the first time this season.

With Week 12 coming up, how do the Bolts compare to the rest of the NFL? Here is where Los Angeles ranks:

Offense

Category	Stat	Rank
Points per game	22.0 ppg	18th
Passing offense	204.8 ypg	19th
Rushing offense	121.6 ypg	12th
Total offense	326.4 ypg	18th
3rd down conversions	38.81%	15th
Red zone scoring	53.85%	21st
Sacks allowed	26	19th
Turnovers	5	T-1st

Defense

Category	Stat	Rank
Points allowed	14.5 ppg	1st
Passing defense	206.6 ypg	12th
Rushing defense	110.5 ypg	11th
Total defense	317.1 ypg	11th
3rd down conversions	32.33%	2nd
Red zone defense	40.91%	2nd
Sacks	34	T-4th
Takeaways	13	13th

Chargers continue to climb in NFL power rankings after Week 11 win over Bengals

The Chargers received high praise from NFL analysts after their primetime win.

The Chargers improved to 7-3 after defeating the Bengals last Sunday night.

After Week 11, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 11 (Previous: 13)

“Sunday night saw their best offensive performance of the season … and worst showing on defense. But teammates pick one another up and vanquishing Cincy gives the Bolts a near-ironclad grip on a wild-card berth.”

NFL: 9 (Previous: 10)

“The Chargers made as wide a swing as was imaginable on Sunday night, looking like a dark-horse Super Bowl team in the first half, then nearly coughing up what would have been an inexcusable loss — one that would have also significantly damaged their playoff hopes. After opening the game scorching hot, Justin Herbert froze over pretty fast, going 5-for-18 passing at one point in the second half and missing two big throws to Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey. The QB’s early fourth-quarter fumble (Herbert’s first turnover since Week 2) led to the Bengals tying things up, and it looked like Cincinnati was going to walk out of there with a win. But Herbert hit McConkey for 28 and 27 yards in the final minute, and the Chargers escaped a game that had a playoff-like atmosphere. The competition only gets tougher from here on out, too, so they’d better be prepared for more of these types of battles.”

ESPN: 9 (Previous: 11)

Preseason hot seat: WR Quentin Johnston
Current temperature of hot seat: Cold

“After struggling with drops as a rookie, there were questions coming into this season about whether Johnston was an NFL-caliber wideout. He has silenced any doubt this season, with a team-high six receiving touchdowns. In L.A.’s win over Cincinnati, he became the first Charger since 2021 to have a receiving touchdown in three straight games. “Honestly, if nobody else believed in me, I still had full confidence in myself,” Johnston said. “It was just a matter of going out and proving it.”

CBS Sports: 9 (Previous: 9)

“Jim Harbaugh has this team playing good football. The defense got a little exposed against the Bengals, but they are better than that.”

Sports Illustrated: 8 (Previous: 9)

“The Chargers got the absolute best out of the Bengals not only offensively but defensively too. Justin Herbert threw a league high 27.8% of his throws into tight coverage on Sunday night against a very good—for one week at least—Bengals defense. Herbert also dealt with a paltry average wideout separation rating, which was more than a yard below the league leader from Sunday.”

Bleacher Report: 10 (Previous: 10)

“These Chargers are different. These Chargers didn’t find themselves Chargering late in the fourth quarter. The Bengals almost pulled off the biggest second-half comeback in franchise history. But Herbert, McConkey, and Dobbins didn’t let it happen thanks to a strong game-winning drive with less than a minute remaining. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is changing the attitude in the Chargers locker room. This squad earned its 7-3 record. It’ll be a difficult out for the rest of the season.”

Ladd McConkey’s dominant rookie campaign continues: ‘He’s a baller’

Ladd McConkey has been one of the league’s top rookie wide receivers.

The Chargers and Bengals were tied at 27 apiece and 45 seconds left in the game, and Los Angeles needed someone to step up on offense, which had stalled throughout the second half.

Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey rose to the occasion.

McConkey reeled in two passes for 55 yards that set up J.K. Dobbins’ go-ahead touchdown run.

“When we needed an answer, Ladd made some big catches and we moved the ball,” quarterback Justin Herbert said.

The first reception went for 28 yards. McConkey was covered by Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton, and the former Georgia product climbed the ladder and made a great catch near the right sideline.

Two plays later, McConkey ran an excellent corner route to make himself open near the left sideline, and Herbert delivered a strike for a gain of 27 yards. Dobbins then sealed the deal.

McConkey finished the game with six catches for 123 yards, which is a career-high and the most by a Chargers rookie since Keenan Allen.

The connection between McConkey and Herbert has continued to strengthen week after week, and the numbers speak for themselves.

McConkey is up to a team-high 43 receptions and 615 yards, both of which are second-most among all rookie wide receivers.

“He’s a dude,” running back J.K. Dobbins said. “He’s a baller. He’s a playmaker.”

People were writing off the Chargers’ wide receiver room because of the lack of top-end talent, but McConkey has provided the much-needed boost and has grown into a role that he can be counted on in crunch time.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 11 win over Bengals

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

In Week 11, the Chargers defeated the Bengals, 34-27.

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

WR Ladd McConkey — 85.7

OT Joe Alt — 84.1

OL Trey Pipkins — 81.3

OT Rashawn Slater — 79.1

OL Zion Johnson — 77.4

Top 5 Defense

S Alohi Gilman — 83.3

LB Denzel Perryman — 75.1

CB Cam Hart — 74.3

S Derwin James — 72.8

DT Poona Ford — 69.2

Bottom 5 Offense

WR Joshua Palmer — 64.0

RB Gus Edwards — 63.5

WR Quentin Johnston — 61.3

FB Scott Matlock — 53.9

WR Jalen Reagor — 52.2

Bottom 5 Defense

LB Daiyan Henley — 55.5

EDGE Bud Dupree — 54.2

S Elijah Molden — 50.2

DT Otito Ogbonnia — 47.5

CB Ja’Sir Taylor — 38.9

Chargers highlight: Justin Herbert catches fire for second TD of the game

Justin Herbert is throwing lasers on Sunday Night Football.

After a Bengals field goal cut the Chargers lead to 1, Herbert decided to take matters into his own hands. A hole shot over the outstretched hands of a Bengals corner hit Quentin Johnston for 22 yards down the left sideline. A seam throw to tight end Will Dissly got the Chargers another 20 yards on the following play.

After a 3 yard JK Dobbins run, Herbert once again took the ball into his own hands. He rolled right, scrambling forward before delivering a strike across the field to Johnston, who hauled in the catch for a 26 yard touchdown to extend the lead to 14-6 early in the second quarter.

It’s Johnston’s sixth touchdown of the season in just eight games, as the second-year receiver has emerged as one of Los Angeles’ top weapons. The Chargers’ other main threat, rookie receiver Ladd McConkey, went to the locker room with a shoulder injury prior to the touchdown drive.

Herbert has now thrown 13 touchdowns to just 1 interception this season.

https://x.com/chargers/status/1858333029028274545

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Bengals stack up before Week 11 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Bengals stack up statistically ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Bengals are set to square off this upcoming Sunday night.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Cincinnati stack up statistically on both sides of the ball ahead of the Week 11 matchup:

Offense

Category	Chargers	Bengals
Points per game	20.7 ppg (19th)	27.0 ppg (6th)
Passing offense	196.4 ypg (22nd)	254.8 ypg (4th)
Rushing offense	117.9 ypg (19th)	89.7 ypg (29th)
Total offense	314.3 ypg (22nd)	344.5 ypg (12th)
3rd down conversions	39.84% (13th)	47.29% (3rd)
Red zone scoring	54.17% (18th)	72.41% (2nd)
Sacks allowed	24 (17th)	23 (12th)
Turnovers	4 (T-1st)	10 (8th)

Defense

Category	Chargers	Bengals
Points allowed	13.1 ppg (1st)	26.2 ppg (26th)
Passing defense	191.6 ypg (9th)	220.2 ypg (23rd)
Rushing defense	110.6 ypg (9th)	127.3 ypg (17th)
Total defense	302.1 ypg (6th)	347.5 ypg (23rd)
3rd down conversions	32.76% (5th)	45.80% (29th)
Red zone defense	38.89% (2nd)	71.88% (31st)
Sacks	31 (T-4th)	17 (28th)
Takeaways	13 (11th)	10 (20th)

Chargers crack top 10 in NFL power rankings after Week 10 win over Titans

The Chargers received high praise from NFL analysts after their third-straight win.

The Chargers improved to 6-3 after defeating the Titans last Sunday.

After Week 10, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 13 (Previous: 17)

“The league’s stingiest defense – it hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in a game – is about to get stern tests with the high-powered Bengals and Ravens headed to SoCal the next two weeks for prime-time showcases.”

NFL: 10 (Previous: 12)

“When it comes to wins, the Chargers have a type. They’ve scored between 22 and 27 points in each of their six victories, allowing 17 or fewer in all of them. The Titans scored late to hit 17, but the Chargers really choked them out in the second half with two long, draining touchdown drives and two quality stops on defense. The Bolts’ formula isn’t tricky, but it is effective. Defensively, Jesse Minter remains a prodigy, coordinating a smothering effort with two rookies starting at corner. The Chargers had seven sacks, and that was with Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa playing limited roles. Justin Herbert overcame what looked like a strip sack run back for a score before officials got the replay fix right. He played another composed game and was creative as a scrambler. The return of Gus Edwards also gave this offense a boost. Efficient ball all around, once again. It’s arguable the Chargers haven’t beaten a great team yet, but they have to be a pain to face off against.”

ESPN: 11 (Previous: 13)

Non-QB MVP: Running back J.K. Dobbins

“Dobbins has been the Chargers’ most impactful offseason signing, giving L.A. its best rushing offense since the days of LaDainian Tomlinson. After suffering a season-ending Achilles rupture in Week 1 of last season, Dobbins is having one of the best years of his career. Coach Jim Harbaugh has used postgame news conferences to campaign for Dobbins to be the Comeback Player of the Year. He is up to 670 yards and six touchdowns this season, which both rank in the NFL’s top 10.”

CBS Sports: 9 (Previous: 10)

“They can run it, throw it and play defense. Oh, they also have a great coach. This team will be dangerous come playoff time.”

Sports Illustrated: 9 (Previous: 11)

“As good as Justin Herbert’s day was, there was another score to Will Dissly that nearly happened. I’m not sure how Herbert feels about this, but I wonder if he would trade those outlier Burrow-Jackson duel-under-the-lights games for what he has now: a more conservative approach that allows for some panache but keeps him mostly protected. He has gone from a top-third sacked player in the NFL to a middle-tier sacked player. That has to make a difference.”

Bleacher Report: 10 (Previous: 13)

“Jim Harbaugh was never likely to make the Chargers title contenders in his first season on the job. However, he has quickly forged a squad that, when healthy, has few real weaknesses. The defense is elite, the running game is above average, and quarterback Justin Herbert is thriving as a high-end game-manager.

With both Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey emerging as reliable receivers, the Chargers have become a well-balanced, well-coached team and talented enough that no one should want to see them in January.”

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 10

Jesse Minter’s defense is elite, but where does the offense rank after Week 10?

The Chargers improved to 6-3 after beating the Titans in Week 10.

Justin Herbert showed off his legs. Gus Edwards came back from injury and provide a spark on the ground. The defense, which produced seven sacks on the day, continued to dominate.

With Week 11 coming up, how do the Bolts compare to the rest of the NFL? Here is where Los Angeles ranks:

Offense

Category	Stat	Rank
Points per game	20.7 ppg	19th
Passing offense	196.4 ypg	22nd
Rushing offense	117.9 ypg	19th
Total offense	314.3 ypg	22nd
3rd down conversions	39.84%	13th
Red zone scoring	54.17%	18th
Sacks allowed	24	12th
Turnovers	4	T-1st

Defense

Category	Stat	Rank
Points allowed	13.1 ppg	1st
Passing defense	191.6 ypg	9th
Rushing defense	110.6 ypg	9th
Total defense	302.1 ypg	6th
3rd down conversions	32.76%	5th
Red zone defense	38.89%	2nd
Sacks	31	T-4th
Takeaways	13	11th

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 10 win over Titans

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

In Week 10, the Chargers defeated the Titans, 27-17.

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

QB Justin Herbert — 91.6

FB Tucker Fisk — 73.8

OL Zion Johnson — 72.8

TE Will Dissly — 72.6

OT Joe Alt — 72.0

Top 5 Defense

EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu — 71.2

EDGE Bud Dupree — 69.1

CB Cam Hart — 67.4

DT Poona Ford — 67.3

DT Morgan Fox — 67.1

Bottom 5 Offense

WR Quentin Johnston — 55.7

RB J.K. Dobbins — 52.8

WR Jalen Reagor — 50.9

OL Foster Sarell — 50.0

FB Scott Matlock — 49.6

Bottom 5 Defense

S Alohi Gilman — 57.3

LB Denzel Perryman — 52.7

EDGE Joey Bosa — 51.1

DT Otito Ogbonnia — 45.0

DT Teair Tart — 34.2

Chargers highlight: Quentin Johnston outruns Kenneth Murray for touchdown

Kenneth Murray’s return to SoFi Stadium has not gone the way he hoped.

After signing with the Titans this offseason, Murray was juked by Justin Herbert on a first half scramble up the middle and has struggled to contend with tight end Will Dissly in coverage. With the Chargers up 13-10 in the third quarter, Los Angeles lined up with 3rd and 8 from the Titans 16 yard line.

Herbert dropped back to pass with a solid pocket, waiting for a receiver to come open. Quentin Johnston ran a crossing route that was not picked up until Murray drifted back outside the right hash, chasing after Johnston as they entered the end zone.

Murray was a couple steps too slow, however, and Herbert hit Johnston in stride for a 16 yard touchdown to extend the lead to 20-10.

The drive was set up by a 56 yard kickoff return by Derius Davis that put the Chargers on the Titans 43. A 15 yard pass to Ladd McConkey and 9 yard run by Gus Edwards to open the drive brought the Chargers within striking distance of the end zone.

https://x.com/chargers/status/1855746898885488747