Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler hit milestones as Chargers rout Rams

Austin Ekeler rushed for 122 yards, scored two touchdowns and have become the fifth operating again with 100 receptions in a season because the Los Angeles Chargers rolled to a 31-10 victory Sunday over the Los Angeles Rams in a matchup of SoFi Stadium co-tenants.

Ekeler, who has an NFL-leading 18 touchdowns (13 speeding, 5 receiving), additionally had a career-best 72-yard TD run halfway via the second quarter to increase the Chargers’ lead to 14-3.

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It was the third 100-yard speeding recreation in Ekeler’s six-year profession and his second this season. He had a career-high 173-yards in an Oct. 10 win at Cleveland.

Justin Herbert handed for 212 yards and two touchdowns because the playoff-bound Chargers gained their fourth straight to enhance to 10-6. Mike Williams had seven receptions for 94 yards, together with a one-handed, toe-tapping 18-yard seize alongside the left sideline late within the second quarter.

It was the Rams’ eleventh lack of the season, surpassing the 1999 Denver Broncos for many defeats by a defending Tremendous Bowl champion.

Cam Akers had his second straight 100-yard recreation with 19 carries for 123 yards. Baker Mayfield was 11 of 19 for 132 yards.

Los Angeles Chargers operating again Austin Ekeler (30) evades a deal with from Los Angeles Rams security Taylor Rapp as he runs towards the top zone for a landing throughout the first half of an NFL soccer recreation Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. 
(AP Picture/Mark J. Terrill)

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The lone landing for the Rams (5-11) was a 23-yard run up the center by Malcolm Brown to get them inside 14-10 within the second quarter.

Ekeler scored on scored on consecutive possessions within the second quarter to provide the Chargers a 14-3 lead. After having a 10-yard run off left guard to provide the Bolts a 7-3 benefit, Ekeler patiently waited for a seam to develop on the suitable facet of the road earlier than going 72 yards.

Left guard Matt Feiler pulled to assist create a gap whereas extensive receiver Keenan Allen and tight finish Donald Parham additionally laid key blocks earlier than Ekeler broke into the clear.

EKELER’S MILESTONE

Ekeler grew to become the fifth operating again in NFL historical past to have a 100-reception season together with his first catch, an 8-yard go from Herbert on the Chargers’ opening possession.

Ekeler joins former Chargers nice LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Facilities of Arizona, Matt Forte of Chicago and Christian McCaffrey as the one different gamers to attain the feat. McCaffrey is the one operating again with two 100-catch seasons.

THIRD QUARTER BREAKTHROUGH

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) appears to throw a go throughout the first half of an NFL soccer recreation in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. 
(AP Picture/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

The Chargers discovered the top zone within the third quarter for the primary time in 11 video games when Herbert connected with Gerald Everett for an 8-yard landing to cap an 11-play, 75-yard drive to open the second half.

Herbert — who accomplished 21 of 28 passes — got here into the sport and not using a TD go in two straight video games for the primary time in his three-year professional profession.

CENTURY MARK

Herbert’s 3-yard TD go to Donald Parham early within the fourth quarter gave Herbert a mixed 100 speeding and passing touchdowns. That ties him with Dan Marino for essentially the most via the primary three seasons of a profession.

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INJURIES

Rams: DB Nick Scott suffered a shoulder damage within the third quarter however returned halfway via the fourth.

UP NEXT

Rams: Conclude their season at Seattle subsequent Sunday.

Chargers: Wrap up the common season at Denver subsequent Sunday.