Through four weeks, the Chargers have a 3-1 record and sit atop the AFC West.
Here’s a breakdown of how Los Angeles got to where they are:
Week 1 at Washington: In the 20-16 victory, head coach Brandon Staley became only the second Chargers coach to win their debut. After being known for struggling to finish games last season, Los Angeles’ comeback win made a strong statement in their season opener. The team outlasted Washington’s dominant defense with a stellar performance from quarterback Justin Herbert, who finished 31-of-47 passing for 337 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
Week 2 vs. Cowboys: While the Chargers managed to produce 408 total yards, they left some points on the table due to two interceptions, penalties, including some controversial calls, and poor execution in the red zone. After going back and forth throughout all four quarters, it was Dallas who came out victorious following Greg Zuerlein’s game-winning field goal from 56 yards out as time expired.
Week 3 at Chiefs: Let’s not forget about the Bolts’ statement win on the road win over Kansas City. Like we all expected, it was a shootout between the two teams that came down to the wire. Highlighted by Herbert’s four touchdowns, an all-around great defensive performance to limit QB Patrick Mahomes, and a gutsy fourth-down call, the Chargers prevailed, marking their first win in an AFC West opener since 2014.
Week 4 vs. Raiders: In the team’s Monday night 28-14 victory over Las Vegas, the versatility of the Chargers’ offensive weapons was highlighted. The dynamic wide receiver duo, Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, only combined for 49 yards. However, tight ends Jared Cook and Donald Parham stepped up and each scored a touchdown while running back Austin Ekeler added a pair. The defense limited QB Derek Carr to only 196 passing yards after averaging 401 passing YPG (most in NFL) in Weeks 1-3.
Recently, Herbert shared his insight on how he felt about the team through the first four weeks of the regular season.
“I love that we take it week by week,” Herbert said. “I really believe in the guys in this locker room. But it’s all about each week of preparation. We never look too far ahead, we never look back. You can’t let Dallas beat you again and you can’t let the Chiefs win. You can’t let that hold you back. It’s all about this next week of preparation and I know guys in that locker room attack every week like it’s nothing, so it’s awesome.”
Looking ahead, Los Angeles is set to face the Browns and Ravens, both two tough teams from the AFC North with 3-1 records, before entering their bye week.
While winning both is the most ideal scenario, if they are able to at least go 1-1, then they will still be in good shape before heading into the final stretch of the season.
Currently, L.A. has the ninth-easiest schedule for the remainder of the year, according to ESPN’s Mike Clay.
