WATCH: Justin Herbert finds Mike Williams for 72-yard touchdown
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert connected with wide receiver Mike Williams for a 72-yard touchdown, giving the team a 13-10 lead over the Cleveland Browns. After scoring the touchdown, Williams took time to celebrate with fans and deliver a game ball before high fiving his teammates and catching Herbert in the air.
On third-and-10 from their own 28-yard line, the Chargers called a shot play. Mike Williams ran past his defender on a post route as Justin Herbert sat inside the pocket. After delivering a strike to the opposite 33-yard line, Herbert watched his wide receiver run toward the corner for the touchdown.
Early in their game Sunday, Herbert and Williams have connected three times for 86 yards. In total, the quarterback is 6-for-12 with 130 yards and two touchdowns.
The Chargers have started the season 3-1, leading the AFC West beside the Las Vegas Raiders. Through the first set of Sunday games, the Kansas City Chiefs ranked last in the division, falling a half game behind the Denver Broncos.
More about Justin Herbert
Los Angeles took Herbert with the sixth-overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Eugene, Oregon-native started at least eight games in each of his four seasons for the Oregon Ducks, a career which culminated in 3,471 yards, 32 touchdowns and five interceptions his senior year.
Herbert took the field in Los Angeles earlier than expected last season after a team doctor punctured veteran Tyrod Taylor’s lung just before their Week 2 game. Herbert stepped in and finished with 4,336 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His total passing yardage was sixth-best in the NFL and the most among rookies by more than 1,600 yards.
Off-season praise for the Chargers
After an impressive rookie season for Justin Herbert, analysts project the Los Angles Chargers’ second-year quarterback will take big steps forward this season. NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund used forward-looking analytics to forecast the 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year as the Chargers’ most improved player entering the season.
“Herbert’s ability to produce under pressure is a strong signal for this season’s potential, and drives his value as QB11 right now,” Frelund said.
Former Chargers quarterback Drew Brees, now an analyst for NBC’s Sunday Night Football, has lauded Herbert’s skills as well.
“I don’t think I’ve seen an athlete quite like him,” Brees told NBC’s Mike Tirico. “His forearms and hands look like he has been digging fence-post holes his entire life. He is good, smart and has those leadership qualities.”