The Los Angeles Chargers wasted no time getting on the board in their pivotal Week 11 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. On their opening drive, quarterback Justin Herbert connected with an unlikely target – tight end Will Dissly – for a spectacular 29-yard touchdown pass that electrified the home crowd at SoFi Stadium.
Dissly, primarily known for his blocking prowess, found himself wide open between two Bengals defenders as Herbert delivered a perfectly placed ball. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound tight end secured the catch and rumbled into the end zone, giving the Chargers an early 7-0 lead.
The touchdown grab was Dissly’s first of the season and further highlighted the surprising chemistry he’s developed with his star quarterback. Despite being a new addition to the Chargers’ offense, Dissly has quickly become one of Herbert’s most trusted targets.
A New Weapon Emerges in the Chargers’ Arsenal
When the Chargers signed Will Dissly as a free agent this past offseason, most analysts viewed the move as a way to bolster the team’s run blocking. Dissly had built a reputation as a physical, hard-nosed tight end during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, but his receiving skills were often overlooked.
However, Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman saw untapped potential in Dissly’s game. “He and Justin have this little thing going,” Roman said earlier this week. “He’s sneaky good in the passing game.”
That “sneaky good” ability was on full display Sunday night. Dissly’s touchdown catch marked his 43rd target of the season, second-most on the team behind only Keenan Allen. His reliable hands and route-running savvy have made him a valuable asset in the Chargers’ aerial attack.
Herbert’s Continued Ascent
For Justin Herbert, the touchdown pass to Dissly was just another highlight in what has been a stellar third season. The young signal-caller entered Week 11 among the league leaders in passing yards and touchdowns, firmly establishing himself as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
Herbert’s ability to spread the ball around and make plays outside the structure of the offense has been a key factor in the Chargers’ success. With weapons like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, and now Will Dissly at his disposal, Herbert has no shortage of options when surveying the field.
“Justin’s got that special sauce, man. He can make plays that most guys can’t.”
– Anonymous Chargers teammate
Playoff Implications
The Chargers entered Sunday night’s game with a 6-3 record, sitting just one game behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the hotly contested AFC West. A win over the Bengals would not only keep them in the division race but also bolster their chances of securing a wild card spot in the crowded AFC playoff picture.
With Herbert playing at an MVP level and the defense starting to round into form, the Chargers have all the ingredients necessary for a deep postseason run. The emergence of Will Dissly as a reliable target in the passing game only adds another dimension to an already potent offense.
Looking Ahead
As the Chargers look to build on their early lead and secure a crucial victory over the Bengals, fans can’t help but be excited about the future of this young, talented team. With Justin Herbert at the helm and a supporting cast that seems to be getting better each week, the sky’s the limit for the Bolts.
Whether it’s spectacular touchdown passes to unlikely heroes like Will Dissly or methodical drives that showcase the depth of their playmaking ability, the Chargers are must-see TV every time they take the field. As the season enters its final stretch, don’t be surprised if this team makes some serious noise in the AFC.
