Chargers News: Bolts Defense Shines in Dominant Win Over the Jets

The Chargers' defense could not be stopped.

The Los Angeles Chargers won big on the road tonight against the New York Jets with a final score of 27-6, and it was in large part because of the defense. 

The game started slow for the Bolts, as a quick three-and-out was dealt to the team by the tough Jets defense. The Chargers answered back with a defensive stand of their own, forcing a punt for the Jets. 

The second possession never touched Justin Herbert's hands, as Derius Davis returned the punt kickoff to the house, securing the biggest punt return TD of the season, which you can see below: 

longest punt return in the @nfl this season #EasyToCelebrate | @budlight pic.twitter.com/UwkKQgZT6y

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 7, 2023

After a following touchdown by Austin Ekeler leading to a 14-score, the Bolts and Jets traded back-and-forth possessions without much movement. 

Multiple sacks from the Chargers defense kept Zach Wilson on the run, as Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Tuli Tuipulotu all had over 2. Wilson never quite looked comfortable, and the weak Jets offensive line allowed 8 sacks on the night. 

Chargers edge rushers tonight:
Joey Bosa 2.5 sacks (strip sack)
Tuli Tuipulotu 2 sacks
Khalil Mack 1 sack
This trio has been all over Zach Wilson tonight. #LACvsNYJ

— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) November 7, 2023

The fourth quarter saw the final touchdown for the Bolts, due to a strip sack by Khalil Mack. While trying to march down the field deep in their own territory, Wilson was hit from behind, losing the ball. 

Safety Alohi Gilman nearly ran it in for the touchdown but was marked out of bounds on the 2-yard line. It was short work for Ekeler, who bulldozed his way into the endzone, ending the Jet's hope of coming back. 

The final drive of the game saw Wilson's attempt to throw a touchdown to tight end Tyler Conklin snuffed on fourth down. The Chargers defense did not allow a single touchdown to the Jets, which is a huge feat all its own. 

The night was also made special by perennial wide receiver Keenan Allen, who officially logged 10,000 passing yards on a contender for catch of the year. 

R U SERIOUS KEENAN?

📺: @espn pic.twitter.com/nSmXEEfIEf

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 7, 2023

The Chargers are now 4-4 and are looking more like the playoff-hopeful team everyone pegged them at before this season began. With a defensive performance like this, it stands to reason the Bolts can hang with any team in the AFC. 

Justin Herbert will just need to heal his left hand, which could still be causing some discomfort, despite being on his nonthrowing hand.

This was a big win for the Chargers, and they are set to take on a huge challenge when they face the Detroit Lions on Sunday. 

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