Inglewood, CA — The Los Angeles Chargers extended their winning streak to five games, edging the Baltimore Ravens in a 43-40 thriller at SoFi Stadium to improve to 8-3 on the season. In a game packed with dramatic moments, turnovers, and explosive plays, the Chargers were able to hold off Lamar Jackson and the Ravens to remain one of the hottest teams in the AFC.
Despite a slew of turnovers and near-disastrous mistakes, Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense produced just enough firepower to overcome a relentless Ravens attack, securing a win in a game that tested their poise, resilience, and ability to finish strong.
Herbert Leads with Grit Despite Turnovers
Justin Herbert had a rollercoaster day, finishing 17 of 37 for 338 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. Herbert’s numbers look interesting on paper, it was a game filled with highs and lows for the star quarterback. Herbert found himself under pressure early and often from a Ravens defense that did not record a sack but managed to disrupt the pocket and force turnovers, blitzing often and trusting their defensive backs to smother the young Chargers’ receivers. Separation was slim and his completion percentage suffered as a result.
His most critical passes came on third downs, starting with a crucial 35-yard touchdown to Ladd McConkey in the second quarter. McConkey, who continues to thrive in his rookie season, hauled in four catches for 101 yards and that touchdown, again showing his knack for finding space downfield.
Herbert’s chemistry with tight end Hayden Hurst was also on full display. Hurst had five catches for 86 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter. Herbert relied heavily on Hurst as a safety valve, especially with star wideout Quentin Johnston held in check for much of the game.
“I’ve got to do a better job taking care of the football and getting it in our guys’ hands, no doubt,” Herbert said after the game. “But the guys around me, they made huge plays when we needed them, and that’s what it’s all about. We just kept battling.”
Johnston, who had been a key playmaker throughout the season and is in the conversation for OPOY, was limited to just two catches for 35 yards and a touchdown, largely neutralized by the Ravens’ secondary. Despite being contained, Johnston managed to score on a 12-yard touchdown pass early in the second half, but also dropped a crucial third-down pass late in the game when Marlon Humphrey punched it loose when Johnston came back to the ball on a curl route, giving the Ravens a final chance to tie or win.
Brenden Rice, DJ Chark Jr, and Will Dissly all also contributed, combining for 5 catches for 100 yards exactly and a Rice touchdown, the second of his rookie season. This puts Rice’s rookie season stat line at 13 catches for 146 yards and the two scores. His role continues to increase, and it will need to, if he wants to try and catch his father Jerry’s rookie year of 927 yards and three touchdowns on 49 catches. With only six games remaining, that may not be realistic and it only gets harder if he wants to keep up with the greatest receiver of all time.
Chargers’ Defense Comes Up Clutch
While the Ravens put up 40 points, the Chargers’ defense made just enough plays to help seal the victory. The defense forced four takeaways, with standout performances coming from rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still, veteran safety Derwin James, and linebacker Daiyan Henley. The Chargers defense also racked up four sacks, with Joey Bosa recording a solo sack and splitting a second sack with Khalil Mack, Jowonn Briggs stuffing Lamar Jackson for a sack when he tried to escape up the middle, and Asante Samuel Jr. having a huge sack from his nickel corner spot as well.
Still made one of the game’s most critical plays, intercepting a Lamar Jackson pass in the red zone during the first half, halting a promising Ravens drive. Derwin James followed up with an interception of his own when the Ravens attempted a “Philly Special” trick play inside the Chargers’ 10-yard line, where wide receiver Devontez Walker’s pass to Jackson was picked off by James.
The Chargers’ defense also forced two fumbles, the most impactful coming late in the third quarter. Linebacker Daiyan Henley jarred the ball loose from Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell, and Khalil Mack pounced on it to give the Chargers offense a key possession. Asante Samuel Jr. provided the final turnover of the game with a strip-sack of Jackson, which he recovered himself, helping to turn the tides in the game.
Even though the Chargers’ defense allowed big plays, including a monstrous performance by Keaton Mitchell, who rushed for 173 yards and a touchdown, they made up for it by winning the turnover battle and getting critical stops in key situations.
“We didn’t play a perfect game by any stretch, but our ability to force turnovers and get after the quarterback was huge,” head coach Jay Cee said after the game. “The guys made plays when they needed to, and we found a way to win a tough game. That’s all that matters.”
Special Teams Make a Difference
Special teams played a significant role in the outcome, particularly when Chargers defensive back Kristian Fulton blocked a field goal attempt from Ravens kicker Justin Tucker in the third quarter. At the time, the Ravens were leading 26-21 and looking to extend their advantage. Fulton’s block shifted momentum, and the Chargers were able to take the lead just a few plays later.
Fulton’s block was the second time this season that the Chargers’ special teams have made a game-changing play, the first being a Derius Davis kickoff return touchdown, and it proved to be a pivotal moment in a game filled with momentum swings. Fulton is on an expiring contract and this could help convince Los Angeles to keep him around long term.
“That’s just a testament to our guys staying focused and making big-time plays when the game is on the line,” Jay Cee said. “Kristian has been great for us, and that play really sparked us.”
Ravens Take Risks, Pay the Price
The Ravens had their chances, but questionable decision-making proved costly. Midway through the third quarter, leading by eight points, the Ravens decided to go for it on 4th-and-3 from their own 15-yard line, a gamble that backfired. Lamar Jackson attempted to execute an RPO and didn’t see anything open so he handed off to Keaton Mitchell who had been Mr. Reliable all game, but Khalil Mack came barrelling in for a tackle for loss, turning the ball over on downs and giving the Chargers a short field. The Chargers capitalized immediately with a touchdown to close the gap and retake momentum.
“Sometimes you make those calls, and they don’t work out,” Ravens head coach Ben Knee said postgame. “We felt confident in our offense, but they read it well and made a good play. You have to give them credit.”
The Ravens’ aggressive play-calling wasn’t the only issue. After Lamar Jackson orchestrated a brilliant drive in the fourth quarter to bring Baltimore within three points, the team’s defense got the ball back for the offense only for the Ravens to throw incomplete on a 4th and 7 just 10 yards away from Tucker’s range. Baltimore ended the game having one field goal blocked, turning the ball over in the red zone twice, and turning the ball over on downs inside their own 15-yard line, pivotal mistakes in a three-point loss
A Lackluster Ground Game
As the Chargers’ running back room continues to be tested, Hassan Haskins was back in the starting role. Haskins carried the ball 12 times for 49 yards and added a touchdown, while also chipping in with a nice 16-yard reception. Rookie running back Kimani Vidal provided an explosive element with just three carries for 36 yards, but was essential in pass blocking on certain downs.
Los Angeles had 90 total team rushing yards while fumbling twice, luckily recovering one of them themselves. JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards were only able to muster 1 yard per carry each, but one of Dobbins’ carries did go for a 1-yard touchdown. Baltimore’s blitzing linebackers along with Kyle Hamilton crashing down effectively made the ground game a nightmare, the Chargers offensive line looked outmatched.
Ravens Exploit Chargers’ Run Defense
While the Chargers normally run well on offense and stop the run well on defense, both were flipped in week 12. Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell had a career day, rushing for 173 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Mitchell consistently found gaps in the Chargers’ defense, breaking off several long runs, including a 52-yard touchdown to score on the Ravens’ first offensive play of the game.
The Ravens also utilized Mitchell as a pass-catching option out of the backfield, and he added three catches for 22 yards and another touchdown. Baltimore’s success on the ground kept them in the game, but the Chargers’ timely takeaways ultimately overshadowed the Ravens’ dominant rushing attack.
Looking Ahead: Chargers Face the Falcons in Week 13
With the Ravens in the rearview mirror, the Chargers will travel to Atlanta in Week 13 to face the struggling 2-9 Falcons. While the Falcons have had a tough season, the Chargers are cautious not to overlook their next opponent, especially after surviving the shootout with Baltimore.
At 8-3, the Chargers are well-positioned to make a playoff push, but with several tough matchups still looming on the schedule, maintaining their focus will be critical. If the Chargers continue to show the resilience they displayed against the Ravens, they could solidify themselves as a legitimate contender in the AFC.
“We’ve got big goals, but it’s all about the next game,” Jay Cee said. “The Falcons are up next, and we have to be ready for anything.” The matchup in Atlanta will mark the end of four straight matchups against teams below .500, however, their final five contests are against teams currently above .500.
