LANDOVER, Maryland, USA (AP) – Justin Herbert threw for 337 yards and a touchdown to help the Los Angeles Chargers beat Washington 20-16 on Sunday in a grim, loss-filled Week 1 game. ball and great penalties.
Herbert commanded scoring offenses of 75, 76 and 68 yards, giving his team the lead with a touchdown pass to Mike Williams to offset a fumble in the end zone and an interception in the red zone on consecutive offenses. The AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and the Chargers had 14 of 19 third downs to wear down Washington’s defense led by the best defensive rookie of the previous season, Chase Young.
The teams combined for 14 penalties for 151 yards and three turnovers.
Los Angeles also scored via a three-yard rush by Austin Ekeler, who finished with 57 yards on 15 carries to join Danny Woodhead as the only undrafted players in the NFL common draft era with at least 10 touchdowns per. land and 15 by air.
Brandon Staley celebrated a win in his first NFL coaching game.
Washington lost veteran starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a right hip injury midway through the second quarter of his debut with his new team. Popular backup Taylor Heinicke stepped into his place and was cheered by fans who remembered his heroic performance in the previous postseason.
Heinicke finished with 11 of 15 completions for 122 yards and a touchdown and could become Washington’s starter in the future.
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