https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/lists/chargers-browns-nfl-week-5-recap-austin-ekeler-nick-chubb/

Gavino Borquez
October 9, 2022 2:12 pm PT

I have said this before, but it wouldn’t be a Chargers win without doing
so in nail-biting fashion. And that’s what happened at FirstEnergy
Stadium on Sunday, as Los Angeles barely squeaked out a victory over the
Browns.

To recap the Bolts’ 30-28 win, here is everything to know.

It was over when...

….Cade York missed a 54-yard field goal attempt. This came after the
Chargers failed to convert on 4th-and-1 with slightly over a minute in
regulation. The Browns got to Los Angeles’ 35. York’s kick was wide right.

Game notes

Entering today, the Browns had the third-worst run defense in the
NFL, and the Chargers took advantage of that. Austin Ekeler had a career
performance on the ground, rushing for 173 yards and a touchdown on 16
carries (10.8 yards per carry). Ekeler was also effective as a receiver,
amassing 26 yards and a score on four catches.

It was only a matter of time until Joshua Kelley took over as
Ekeler’s running mate. Kelley turned his ten carries into 49 yards (4.9
YPC), including a five-yard touchdown. Kelley was also a factor as a
pass-catcher, as he turned two catches into 33 yards. Sony Michel only
had one carry, which went for no gain.

Justin Herbert had a decent day. Herbert resorted to quick throws
and was a magician in the pocket to feel and navigate around pressure.
Herbert finished 22-of-34 passing for 228 yards and a touchdown.

Herbert’s favorite target was Mike Williams, who did what he does
best by using his big frame to reel in passes in contested situations.
Williams finished with ten catches on 13 targets for 134 yards.

While the Chargers had a field day running the ball, the Browns
also did the same, which was to be expected. Nick Chubb ran wild for 134
yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries (7.9 YPC). Kareem Hunt also
posted 47 yards and a score on 11 rushes.

Except for a few plays, Los Angeles’ interior part of the defensive
line was bullied by the Browns’ offensive line. The lack of firm edges
allowed Chubb to win outside the tackles. Cleveland did an excellent job
of getting blocks at the second level. Missed tackles were still an
occurrence, especially on Chubb’s 41-yard rushing touchdown to open up
the game.

Jacoby Brissett had plenty of time to throw the football all day.
From the initial gatherings, the Chargers combined for just 12
pressures, with Khalil Mack and Jerry Tillery leading the team with
four. The lack of pressure shows how much Joey Bosa’s presence is missed.

Derwin James, J.C. Jackson, and Asante Samuel Jr. all had their
fair share of rough moments in coverage. David Njoku and Amari Cooper
had 88 and 76 yards, respectively. Jackson was responsible for Cooper’s
touchdown.

According to the 4th down decision bot, it favored Staley’s
decision to go for it on 4th-and-1, which was Herbert’s pass to Williams
that Martin Emerson broke up. While the analytics said to go for it, the
decision was still very gutsy, and I believed that the Chargers
should’ve just punted and trusted the defense to stop Brissett with a
more extended field.

Before that, Alohi Gilman, who started in place of Nasir Adderley,
had a massive interception in the red zone. Gilman’s pick might be lost
in the shuffle of everything else that occurred, but it was the unsung
hero play.

3 stars of the game

RB Austin Ekeler: 199 total yards, two touchdowns

WR Mike Williams: 10 catches for 134 yards

S Alohi Gilman: 7 tackles, interception