The Los Angeles Chargers (4-4) delivered a dominant performance against the New York Jets (4-4) on Monday Night Football, winning 27-6 at MetLife Stadium. The Chargers’ defense was relentless, forcing four fumbles and sacking rookie quarterback Zach Wilson eight times. The offense was led by running back Austin Ekeler, who scored two touchdowns and ran for 86 yards. The special teams also contributed with a 87-yard punt return touchdown by Derius Davis in the first quarter.
Davis’ Electrifying Punt Return Sets the Tone
The Jets started the game with a three-and-out, and Thomas Morstead’s punt was fielded by Davis near the right sideline. The rookie wide receiver avoided a tackle attempt, cut inside and outran the Jets’ coverage team for an 87-yard touchdown. It was the longest punt return in the NFL this season, and the Chargers’ first punt return for a TD since 2019. Davis celebrated his first career score by leaping into the stands and high-fiving the fans.
Ekeler Runs Over Jets’ Defense
The Chargers’ offense did not have to do much, as the defense and special teams gave them a comfortable lead. Quarterback Justin Herbert completed 16 of 30 passes for 136 yards, becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach 1,500 completions. Wide receiver Keenan Allen had eight catches for 77 yards, surpassing 10,000 career receiving yards. But the star of the show was Ekeler, who scored two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter. The first one came after Joey Bosa stripped Wilson and recovered the fumble at the Jets’ 21-yard line. Ekeler slipped two tackles and sprinted to the end zone, but was ruled out at the 1. He punched it in two plays later, after a penalty negated his second score. Ekeler celebrated his third touchdown of the season by flexing his muscles and pointing to the sky.
Bosa and Co. Terrorize Wilson
The Jets’ offense was miserable, as they could not get anything going against the Chargers’ defense. Wilson, who was coming off a three-game winning streak, looked rattled and confused. He completed 33 of 49 passes for 263 yards, but most of them were short and ineffective. He also lost two fumbles and was under constant pressure. Bosa led the Chargers’ pass rush with 2.5 sacks, increasing his season total to 10.5. He also had four quarterback hits and two tackles for loss. Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu each had two sacks, while Derwin James and Alohi Gilman recovered fumbles. The Chargers held the Jets to 6 points, their lowest output of the season.
Jets’ Only Bright Spot: Zuerlein’s Field Goal
The Jets’ only points came from a 47-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein in the second quarter, after a 13-play drive that stalled at the Chargers’ 29-yard line. Zuerlein, who was signed by the Jets last week after Matt Ammendola was injured, made his only attempt of the game. He also handled the kickoffs and punts, as Morstead left the game with a hamstring injury. Zuerlein was the only Jet who did not disappoint on Monday night.
Chargers Bounce Back, Jets Fall Back
The Chargers improved to 4-4 with the win, keeping pace with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders in the AFC West. They also snapped a two-game losing streak and gained some momentum heading into their bye week. The Jets fell to 4-4 with the loss, dropping to third place in the AFC East behind the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins. They also lost their three-game winning streak and their confidence in their young quarterback. They will try to regroup next week when they face the New England Patriots at home.
