So far, we had only seen glimpses of what the Chargers could become in Jim Harbaugh’s first season as their coach. Their stingy defense and improved offense certainly were on display Sunday. Here’s what we learned, what we heard and what comes next after a 23-16 victory over the Denver Broncos:
BY AIR AND BY GROUND
The Chargers torched the Broncos’ defense with a mix of runs and passes, taking a 23-0 lead into the fourth quarter. The first half was a textbook example of what a versatile offense can do when it exploits the weaknesses in an opposing defense, and Justin Herbert certainly did that.
The Chargers’ five first-half possessions resulted in a field goal, a touchdown, a field goal, a touchdown and the final play of the half. In truth, the Chargers could have been more efficient in the red zone and instead of leading by 20-0 they could have held a commanding 28-0 lead over Denver.
Herbert’s sprained right ankle has limited his mobility ever since he injured it during the third quarter of the Chargers’ victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. So, it limited the plays the Chargers could call. Herbert couldn’t roll out on a bootleg or try a quarterback draw or any number of plays.
But that all changed Sunday, with his ankle on the mend and the playbook expanded. Herbert set season highs with 21 completions and 34 attempts for 237 yards. He threw one touchdown pass, a 38-yard catch and run for a score by rookie running back Kimani Vidal in the first quarter.
The Chargers also crossed up the Broncos with a solid ground game that featured J.K. Dobbins, wide receiver Derius Davis and Vidal. Dobbins rushed for 96 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries. Davis carried twice for 14 yards and Vidal, subbing for the injured Gus Edwards, gained 11 yards on four carries.
Overall, the Chargers rushed for 128 yards on 38 attempts.
But the day belonged to Herbert, at least on the offensive side of the ball.
“I thought he was about as precise as he could be,” Harbaugh said. “There were some great throws, some great avoided pressure and just putting the ball in the appropriate spot throughout the entire game. It was super impressive. Hopefully, this reminds everybody that Justin Herbert is really good at playing quarterback.”
DEFENSIVE DOMINANCE
The Chargers’ best defense was their offense, especially in the first half. They held onto the ball for scoring drives of nine, six, 20 and 11 plays, wearing down the Broncos’ defense while providing their own defense extended breaks. It was a welcome development, according to all concerned.
“It makes us so we’re fresh,” Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. said. “I think we only played 15 or 20 plays in the first half.”
Actually, it was exactly 20.
The Chargers retained their lead as the NFL’s stingiest team, too.
They have given up a league-low average of 13.2 points through five games.
HARBAUGH’S HEALTH
Harbaugh was scheduled to see a cardiologist Monday after experiencing an irregular heartbeat that forced him to the locker room during the first quarter Sunday. He said it was his third episode of atrial flutter after experiencing it in 1999 and 2012, and he was treated by medical personnel each time.
“I kind of started feeling it (Saturday) night, but wasn’t really sure,” Harbaugh said. “After pregame warmups, just like it was in 2012. It was during pregame warmup, I kind of started feeling, and I hadn’t felt it since 2012. It hasn’t happened. The one in ’99, 13 years later, had to have the procedure done again so I figured I was getting close to the 13-year mark, and I’m going to need another one at some point.”
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The procedure Harbaugh referred to was a cardiac ablation, a treatment for an irregular heartbeat that involves using “heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart that block faulty heart signals and restore a typical heartbeat,” according to the renowned Mayo Clinic’s website.
WHAT COMES NEXT
The Chargers have an extra day in Week 7 to mend their many wounded players, including Edwards, outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hip), cornerbacks Kristian Fulton (hamstring) and Asante Samuel Jr. (shoulder), tight end Hayden Hurst (groin), defensive back Deane Leonard (hamstring) and right guard Trey Pipkins III (shoulder). The Chargers (3-2) face the Arizona Cardinals (2-4) on “Monday Night Football” in Glendale, Arizona.