The Chargers are heading to the playoffs after their win over the Patriots on Saturday afternoon.
Here’s our recap of Los Angeles’ 40-7 win over New England.
It was over when…
Justin Herbert hit Ladd McConkey for a 40-yard touchdown to go up 27-7 in the third quarter.
Notable number
Justin Herbert broke Peyton Manning’s NFL record for most passing yards in a player’s first five seasons (20,618).
3 stars of the game
- QB Justin Herbert: 283 passing yards, 3 touchdowns
- RB J.K. Dobbins: 19 carries, 76 yards, TD
- WR Ladd McConkey: 8 catches, 94 yards, 2 TDs
Quick hits
- The Chargers are in the playoffs for the third time in 11 seasons.
- The Chargers’ offense spent most of the game on the field, dominating the time of possession battle, 40:34 to 19:26.
- The offensive line kept Justin Herbert upright for the entire game, and he took advantage of the clean pockets. When kept clean, Herbert had an 80% adjusted completion percentage with 247 passing yards and three touchdowns.
- Herbert’s top target was Ladd McConkey, who surpassed Keenan Allen for most receiving yards and receptions by a Chargers rookie. Quentin Johnston finished second in receiving with five catches for 48 yards. Joshua Palmer was next with four grabs for 41 yards.
- The offense benefited from J.K. Dobbins’ return from injury. Dobbins averaged 4.0 yards per carry and found the end zone. He also set a new season high in rushing yards, shattering his previous best (800) in his rookie campaign.
- Jesse Minter’s defense made life difficult for rookie Drake Maye. Maye was sacked four times and was held to 112 passing yards on 22 attempts.
- New England went 2-of-10 on third down and failed to make it to the red zone.
- Derius Davis had a punt return touchdown, but it was negated by a holding penalty.
What’s next?
The Chargers close out the regular season on the road against the Raiders next Sunday, Jan. 5. The kickoff time is to be determined.
