CLEVELAND — Justin Herbert showcased his talents by throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns in just the first half, steering the Los Angeles Chargers to a 27-10 triumph over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The Browns struggled offensively under Jameis Winston’s direction, failing to find their rhythm.
Herbert made notable connections, including a stunning 66-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston and a 27-yarder to Joshua Palmer, contributing to a significant halftime lead. With this victory, the Chargers improved to 5-3, marking their fifth consecutive win against the Browns. Herbert completed 18 out of 27 passes for a total of 282 yards, though he was sacked six times during the contest. The Chargers’ running game also played a crucial role, highlighted by J.K. Dobbins, who scored two rushing touchdowns for the team.
Los Angeles’ defense, which was impressively allowing an average of only 13 points per game, put additional pressure on Winston, recording three interceptions and racking up six sacks while restricting the Browns to merely 57 yards in the first half. Following halftime, the Chargers didn’t need to press hard as Cleveland couldn’t create any substantial offensive pressure, ultimately falling to 1-4 in home games.
Both of Herbert’s touchdown passes were a result of lapses in communication within the Browns’ secondary. Palmer found himself open deep down the right sideline for a straightforward score on the first touchdown, while Johnston beat Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward on the second score, who incorrectly anticipated receiving assistance from safety Juan Thornhill. Just before halftime, Dobbins added to the Chargers’ lead with a 16-yard touchdown run, solidifying a 17-point advantage for the team.
In the second half, Herbert transitioned into more of a game manager, with Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh opting to rely on his running game to secure the win over the Browns, a strategy his brother, Ravens coach John Harbaugh, was unable to employ effectively the previous week. Myles Garrett stood out on the defensive front for the Browns, notching three sacks in a swift four-play period during the first half.
Winston, who had recently made his first start in two years due to Deshaun Watson’s injury, had a standout performance last week with three touchdown passes and a total of 334 yards against the Ravens. However, this week was a different story as he struggled with accuracy and effectiveness, managing to complete only a 17-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Tillman in the game’s closing minute. Herbert’s 27-yard touchdown pass to Palmer was set up by an impressive 53-yard punt return from Darius Davis, placing the ball at Cleveland’s 30-yard line.
In trade discussions, there are ongoing speculations about the Browns potentially trading defensive end Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions ahead of the fast-approaching trade deadline. Smith joined the Browns on a two-year deal back in March, and the Lions, in search of another edge rusher due to the injury of Aidan Hutchinson, could find a fit in Smith.
Injury concerns also arose during the game; Chargers linebacker Junior Colson exited with an ankle injury in the second quarter and did not return. Cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor, dealing with a fibula issue, did not make an appearance in the second half, and wide receiver Simi Fehoko was seen heading to the locker room in the fourth quarter holding his right arm. For the Browns, left tackle Dawand Jones, starting for the second consecutive week over Jedrick Wills Jr., left the game with a shoulder injury but did come back to play.
Looking ahead, the Chargers are set to host the Tennessee Titans on November 10 as they gear up for three consecutive home games. Meanwhile, the Browns will enjoy a bye week before facing the New Orleans Saints on November 17.