Inglewood, CA — The Los Angeles Chargers returned home in Week 8 with a vengeance, bouncing back from three straight losses to dismantle the New Orleans Saints 52-24. With an explosive offensive performance that featured over 220 rushing yards, four touchdown passes from Justin Herbert, and a revitalized defense, the Chargers improved to 4-3, keeping their playoff hopes and division crown hopes alive.
Head coach Jay Cee played the team he had a valuable coaching stint on, having served as an intern with the Saints early in his career, working his way up to specialize in scouting collegiate prospects, upcoming free agents, and potential trade targets. In his first game against his former team, Jay Cee and his team delivered a much-needed dominant win that will leave Chargers fans much more optimistic than they’ve been the last month.
“It was fun to be back there, see the players I suggested, my former co-workers, the Saints are a great organization and I can wish them well now that we’ve beaten them.” Jay Cee reminisced but showed a clear emphasis that Los Angeles is now where his loyalties lie, “And I don’t mean the Rams. Bolt Up!” he concluded before leaving the post-game press conference.
Herbert Leads Air Assault Despite Early Mistakes
Justin Herbert bounced back from a tough Week 7 performance to deliver one of his best games of the season. Despite throwing two early interceptions, a pick-six by Saints safety Jonathan Abram, and a great contorting catch by Paulson Adebo where he covered two slants going the opposite ways at the same time. Herbert remained composed and finished the game with 271 passing yards and four touchdowns on 18-of-23 passing. The offense was efficient and ruthless, particularly in the red zone, where Herbert repeatedly connected with his playmakers.
“I made a couple of boneheaded mistakes early, but the guys rallied around me,” Herbert said after the game. “We executed at a high-level today. The offensive line did a great job, and our run game set the tone. I truly think last week’s offensive line performance was a fluke.”
Herbert spread the ball around, with Quentin Johnston continuing his breakout season, catching seven passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. DJ Chark Jr. provided the game’s flashiest plays, hauling in two touchdown passes, including a 47-yard strike in the third quarter that shifted momentum firmly in the Chargers’ favor. His other touchdown came in the goal-to-go area where he showcased his lateral speed.
Ground Game Dominates as Dobbins Shines
While Herbert’s arm played a significant role in the victory, it was the Chargers’ rushing attack that truly overwhelmed the Saints. Los Angeles ran for 223 yards as a team, consistently wearing down New Orleans’ defense. JK Dobbins led the way, rushing for 109 yards on just 12 carries, including a 35-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that effectively sealed the game.
“JK was incredible today,” Herbert said of his running back. “He’s such a tough runner, and once he gets into the open field, he’s hard to stop.” Dobbins had been the team’s third-string running back all season, and Haskins made that feel like the right decision, but now Dobbins will have the chance to make his case for more snaps and an extension.
The run game was a full-team effort, with Kimani Vidal, Gus Edwards, and rookie fullback Luke Benson also contributing. Each Vidal and Edwards had 34 rushing yards as the Chargers built a balanced attack that kept the Saints guessing all afternoon. Benson had a catch for six yards, but his biggest highlight was his 7-yard rush touchdown that absolutely fired up the undrafted former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket.
The only downside came when Hassan Haskins, who had six carries for 27 yards, went down with an abdominal injury in the second quarter. Early reports indicate he could miss three games, but Dobbins’ breakout performance gives the Chargers confidence they can manage without him for the time being. It’s a strong running back committee.
Teair Tart and Defense Smother Saints’ Run Game
On the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers put on an absolute clinic against the Saints’ rushing attack. New Orleans managed just 19 rushing yards on nine carries, with the Chargers’ defensive line and linebackers clogging every potential running lane. Defensive tackle Teair Tart led the charge, recording four tackles for loss, a sack, and several pressures that kept Saints running back Alvin Kamara in check all game long.
“The game plan was to shut down the run and make them one-dimensional,” Tart said. “We knew if we could stop Kamara and get them in obvious passing situations, we could pressure the quarterback and make some plays.”
While the Saints’ passing game found some success, with Derek Carr throwing for 383 yards and two touchdowns, the Chargers’ defense made timely plays that swung the game in their favor. Rookie linebacker Junior Colson, continuing his strong debut season, had an interception in the first quarter that halted a Saints drive in Chargers’ territory. Colson also recovered a fumble after Derwin James Jr jarred the ball loose with a vicious hit on Chris Olave later in the game.
“Colson’s been a playmaker for us all year,” said coach Jay Cee. “He’s got great instincts, and his ability to be around the football has been huge for us. I’d place a futures bet on him for defensive rookie of the year if I wasn’t a coach”
Looking Ahead: Chargers Building Momentum
With the win, the Chargers now sit at 4-3, back over .500 and firmly in the hunt for an AFC playoff spot. The offense looked as dangerous as it has all season, and if Herbert and the rushing attack can continue to complement each other, the Chargers will be a tough out for any opponent.
The defense, led by Teair Tart’s disruptive play upfront and Derwin James’ hard-hitting presence in the secondary, has shown flashes of dominance, particularly against the run.
However, consistency will be key as the team looks to build momentum and avoid the pitfalls that led to their earlier struggles. With upcoming matchups against AFC rivals, the Chargers have an opportunity to strengthen their position and continue their playoff push.
“We’ve still got a lot of work to do,” said Herbert. “But today was a step in the right direction. We’ve got to keep building on this.”
As they prepare for Week 9, the Chargers hope to carry the energy from this blowout win into the second half of the season, where every game matters in the tightly contested AFC playoff race. They’ll head to Cleveland to play the 2-5 Browns next week, but they have acquired a new quarterback in Malik Willis. Willis, now on the third team of his rookie contract, will look to inject life in the Browns’ offense as Deshaun Watson has never been the same since Houston and Willis provides a dual threat with potential at just 25.
The Chargers’ loss of Hassan Haskins will keep them away from the title of ‘Full Strength’ for at least one more week as K’Lavon Chaisson returns from injury next week, really hoping to make more of the 10 games left on his contract. Chaisson has been injured in practice twice now and has missed three games as a result. He’s fighting for snaps and for an extension, and the Chargers even released veteran Bud Dupree who was an established rotational edge rusher to make room for him. So far it’s been a disappointment for both parties, but there’s plenty of time to turn it around.
