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