NFL: The Chargers escape with the win after a thrilling QB shootout with the Browns
Los Angeles, California - The Los Angeles Chargers put their high-powered offense up against the Cleveland Browns in a thrilling Week Five matchup featuring plenty of points.
The Chargers beat the Browns 47-42 on Sunday for their third-straight win this season, improving their record to 4-1 to lead the AFC West.
Second-year quarterback and last year’s offensive rookie of the year Justin Herbert (23) had a monster game as he completed 26 of 43 pass attempts for 398 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for a touchdown, part of his 29 yards on the ground.
Two of Herbert’s four scores went to Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, who also led all players on the field with eight catches for 165 yards.
LA’s rushing attack was also electric, as running back Austin Ekeler carried the ball 17 times for 66 yards and two touchdowns, along with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Herbert.
Judging by the first quarter, no one could have guessed that this was a classic in the making. The Chargers were only up 7-3 at the start of the second quarter before all hell broke loose and the Browns put 17 points up to LA’s 6 for a 20-13 lead at halftime.
Each team scored a touchdown in the third quarter before the Chargers went off for 26 points in the fourth.
The Browns tried their best to keep up but just ran out of time, coming up short on the scoreboard. Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield went 23-for-32, 305 yards, and two touchdowns, while Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt combined for 222 yards and three touchdowns to provide an impressive rushing attack.
Next Sunday, the Chargers (4-1) are on the road to face the Ravens (3-1) while the Browns (3-2) look to bounce back against the undefeated Cardinals (5-0).
Cover photo: imago/Icon SMI