The Chargers followed up an impressive win at home against the New Orleans Saints with an even more impressive win on the road against the Cleveland Browns.
Despite being an early season laughing stock, Cleveland had seemingly found new life with Jameis Winston under center, whose energy on and off the field catapulted them to a 29-24 upset win versus their divisional rival Baltimore Ravens.
Given that impressive victory, this was no gimme for the Chargers, who faced a respectable coaching staff led by Kevin Stefanski and arguably the best defensive player in football, Myles Garrett. Given the long road trip and sneaky momentum building for Cleveland, it was encouraging to see Los Angeles enter hostile territory and take care of business relatively easily.
Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense struck first blood midway through the first quarter, as a 53-yard punt return from Derius Davis set up LA within striking distance at Cleveland’s 30-yard line.
Herbert then found receiver Joshua Palmer for a 28-yard touchdown to take an early lead. Palmer would finish with two receptions for 63 yards and the score.
Herbert continues to play productive, mistake-free football, having completed 18 of his 27 pass attempts for 282 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday. LA’s signal caller yet again spread the ball around nicely, throwing completions to eight different pass catchers in Cleveland.
Cleveland added a field goal early in the second quarter after the teams traded punts. Los Angeles responded quickly on its ensuing drive, as Herbert found receiver Quentin Johnston for a 66-yard touchdown to cap off a three-play drive.
Johnston, who missed the last two games with an ankle injury, replicated his early season success in this outing. He led the team with four receptions for 118 yards and a score as he continues to put together an encouraging sophomore season as a pro.
After LA forced yet another Cleveland punt, the offense went right back to work, this time putting together a five-play, 60-yard scoring drive.
J.K. Dobbins capped off the Chargers third touchdown drive, and his success on the ground in this game allowed the Chargers to bleed the clock in the second half. Dobbins finished with 14 carries for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
Similar to weeks past, the Chargers offense found most of its success in the first half, scoring 20 of its 27 points before halftime. However, it was more than enough to come out with the win, as LA’s defense held strong throughout all four quarters.
Winston completed 26 of his 46 pass attempts for 235 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Los Angeles also added six sacks to their impressive defensive performance. Linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu led the way with 2.5.
LA kept the dynamic Nick Chubb in check all game, as he rushed for just 39 yards. Receiver Cedric Tillman topped the stat sheet for Cleveland with 75 receiving yards and a touchdown catch in the finishing seconds of the game.
With the win, LA improves to two games over .500 at 5-3. The team will head back home to host the 2-6 Tennessee Titans, looking to capture a third straight win. Another convincing win would be a serious statement for the Chargers and show that they are a force to be reckoned with in the AFC as the playoff picture starts to become clearer.