Chargers fend off surging Bengals for huge road victory
Chargers' win will be big in determining AFC playoffs standing down the road
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Los Angeles Chargers held off a surging Cincinnati Bengals to pick up the win and get back on track as they look to secure a spot in the playoffs over the next few weeks.
The Chargers started off scorching hot in their 41-22 victory.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Bengals' Germaine Pratt reacts after a tackle against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Justin Herbert had three touchdown passes to put Los Angeles up 24-0 with 10:12 remaining in the first half. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow fought back, leading Cincinnati to two touchdowns before halftime.
Cincinnati would make it interesting in the third quarter with a Joe Mixon rushing touchdown and an Evan McPherson field goal to cut Los Angeles’ lead to 24-22.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throws against the Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
The momentum would be taken out of the Bengals’ sails when Chargers cornerback Tevaughn Campbell returned a fumble 61 yards for a touchdown. After a Bengals punt, Austin Ekeler would finish off the next Chargers drive with a 1-yard touchdown. Later, Dustin Hopkins would cap off the win with a 43-yard field goal.
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Los Angeles moved to 7-5 with the victory and the Bengals fell to 7-5. The Chargers would have the tie-breaker over Cincinnati when it comes to playoff standing later in the year.
Herbert finished with 317 passing yards and three touchdown passes. He was 26-for-35 with an interception. Burrow was 24-for-40 with 300 passing yards, a touchdown pass and two interceptions. The two quarterbacks were a part of the 2020 draft class.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Bengals' Tee Higgins celebrates a touchdown reception against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Ekeler finished with 59 rushing yards and a touchdown. Mike Williams led Los Angeles with five catches for 110 yards. Keenan Allen had two touchdowns and Jalen Guyton had a touchdown catch as well.
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Mixon finished with 54 yards on 19 carries. Tee Higgins had nine catches for 138 yards and a touchdown.