Justin stole the show in Minnesota on Sunday, just not the Justin that Vikings fans are used to.
Quarterback Justin Herbert completed 40 of 47 passes for 405 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Chargers to their first win of the season on Sunday. Keenan Allen tallied a franchise-record 18 receptions for 215 yards, while also throwing a 49-yard touchdown to Mike Williams on a double-pass play, the first completion of his career.
“Your best players play like that in a big game it gives you a chance and Keenan and Justin were fantastic,” said head coach Brandon Staley after the 28-24 win.
Herbert broke the NFL record for most completions by a quarterback in his first four seasons on Sunday, also breaking the Chargers record for consecutive completions without an interception with 195.
“He wasn’t rattled at all,” Allen said of his quarterback. “Every time we came to the sideline we just had answers and more answers.”
L.A.’s star wideout broke an NFL record of his own with the most 15+ catch games of any receiver in the league’s history.
“[Allen is] as consistent as they come,” said Herbert. “So talented, so smart, knows exactly how people are playing him, understands leverage so well, he’s a quarterback’s best friend.”
“I’m excited for Keenan because it really capped off one of those maestro performances for him. A career game, a record-setting game,” Staley said.
Despite the historic performances on offense, it was the defense that sealed the win for L.A., finally answering the call in the clutch. After the Chargers failed to convert on a 4th and 1 from their own 24-yard line, history seemed to be repeating itself for L.A.
But the Bolts defense stood tall. With twelve seconds left in the game, linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. intercepted Kirk Cousins in the end zone, sealing the Chargers’ first win of the season.
“Our red zone defense was outstanding,” Staley said. “It won us the game.”
The Vikings offense was held to just ten points on four red zone trips, and the L.A. defense made moving the ball difficult throughout.
“It was a nailbiter and we’ve played in three of them,” said Staley. “For our guys to come alive in all three phases in the fourth quarter and finish the game was really important. It was a team win and I thought our guys really came through in the clutch.”
USC’s own Second-round draft pick, defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu, continued his strong start to the season. He registered his second sack against the Vikings, leaving him tied for the highest total among rookies this season.
Many issues were solved from last week on offense. After only converting 2/14 third-down attempts last week, the L.A. offense moved the chains on 5/11 third downs against Minnesota. And after posting just a 40 percent red zone efficiency last week, the Chargers scored touchdowns on both of their trips to the red zone on Sunday.
“I think we had their number on every play,” Allen said after the win.
Unfortunately, wide receiver Mike Williams, who caught Allen’s 49-yard pass for a touchdown, injured his knee on the following drive. Ian Rapoport confirmed on Monday that Williams tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season.
The Chargers now look ahead to their last game before the bye week, this Sunday in Las Vegas against the Raiders. They will likely still be without Austin Ekeler, who indicated on his podcast, “Ekeler’s Edge” that he should be healthy after the bye.
Still, L.A. should have more than enough firepower to take care of business against a division rival.
Las Vegas started the season with a win in Denver against the Broncos but has lost its last two, getting blown out by the Bills and then losing at home to the Steelers.
Vegas has yet to break the 20-point mark on offense this season with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo struggling to adapt to life in silver and black. Garoppolo has developed an early relationship with three-time All-Pro Davante Adams, who has had a stellar start to the season.
Stopping Adams will be virtually impossible, but slowing him will be key to a Chargers victory. Staley’s defense was able to limit Justin Jefferson’s production in Minnesota, with the star wideout’s first reception not coming until the 2nd quarter. A similar approach with Adams could help L.A. keep L.V. under 20 points and help the Chargers get an unfamiliar comfortable win.