In a dominant display on Saturday, the Los Angeles Chargers trounced the floundering New England Patriots 40-7 to secure their spot in the NFL playoffs. Star quarterback Justin Herbert led the charge, throwing for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns to spearhead LA’s high-powered attack.
Herbert’s Heroics Propel Chargers
Justin Herbert once again showcased why he’s one of the NFL’s brightest young stars. The third-year pro completed 26 of 38 passes, connecting on scoring strikes of 6 and 40 yards to rookie receiver Ladd McConkey along with a TD toss to veteran Keenan Allen.
Herbert’s sterling performance allowed him to join elite company, as he became just the third QB in NFL history to post 3,000+ passing yards and 20+ touchdowns in each of his first five seasons. The other two members of that exclusive club? Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson.
Justin was awesome out there today. He’s a special talent and a huge reason why we’re heading back to the playoffs.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh on Justin Herbert’s performance
McConkey, Dobbins Shine in Supporting Roles
Herbert spread the wealth, but two of his top targets stood out. Rookie wideout Ladd McConkey hauled in 8 catches for 94 yards and two scores, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards on the season. Running back JK Dobbins added 76 rushing yards and a TD on 19 carries.
Patriots’ Skid Hits Six
For New England, the loss extended a couple of ignominious streaks. The Patriots have now dropped six straight games overall and are a dismal 2-14 at home over the past two seasons. Rookie QB Drake Maye went 12 of 22 for 117 yards, a TD and a lost fumble before briefly exiting with a head injury.
We’re just not playing good football right now. I have to coach better. The execution has to improve. It’s on all of us to figure this out.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the team’s struggles
Playoff-Bound Bolts Hitting Their Stride
With the emphatic win, the Chargers punched their ticket to the postseason for the second time in three years. At 10-5, LA has assured themselves of a Wild Card berth at minimum. But with games against the Jets and Raiders to close out the season, the surging Bolts still have an outside shot at wrestling the AFC East crown away from the Bills.
- Remaining Chargers schedule: at Jets, vs Raiders
- Remaining Bills schedule: at Bears, vs Dolphins
Wherever they end up seeded, the Chargers seem to be peaking at the right time. Winners of four of their past five, LA is getting hot with Herbert at the controls of an explosive, multi-faceted offense.
Justin Herbert in the Chargers’ 40-7 win over the Patriots:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 28, 2024
26/38
281 yards
3 TDs
LA has now won 4 of its last 5 and is headed to the playoffs for the 2nd time in Herbert’s 3 seasons as the starter.
For a Chargers team that’s been plagued by inconsistency and untimely lapses in recent years, this late-season surge feels different. If Justin Herbert continues to sling it at an MVP level and the defense holds up its end, this LA squad could be poised for a deep playoff run come January.
