Chargers’ stingy defense sparks victory over Jets, return to .500
In a 60-minute slog of a game, the Chargers collect eight sacks, recover three fumbles and win their second in a row, 27-6
Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu sacks New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson during the fourth quarter on Monday night in East Rutherford, N.J. The Chargers had eight sacks and recovered three fumbles in a 27-6 win. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers safety Alohi Gilman (32) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble and returning it to the New York Jets’ 2-yard line during the fourth quarter on Monday night in East Rutherford, N.J. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert passes against the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis runs back a punt return for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis runs back a punt return for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The Chargers’ Derius Davis (12) celebrates on the sideline after returning a punt for a touchdown during the first quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson passes against the Chargers during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day (51) celebrates after tackling New York Jets running back Breece Hall during the first half at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17) tries to avoid a tackle by Chargers safety Alohi Gilman (32) during the first quarter an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) slides out of bounds after recovering a fumble by New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble by the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble by the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, center, huddles with teammates during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler tries to avoid a tackle by New York Jets safety Jordan Whitehead (3) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler carries the ball against New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed (4) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen carries the ball against the New York Jets during the first quarter an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is tackled short of the goal line by D.J. Reed of the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert hands off the ball to running back Austin Ekeler during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler crosses the goal line for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers running back Joshua Kelley (25) carries the ball against New York Jets safety Jordan Whitehead (3) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers running back Joshua Kelley (25) leaps over New York Jets safety Jordan Whitehead (3) on a carry during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) carries the ball against Chargers safety Dean Marlowe (20) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, right, sacks Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) stiff-arms New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers (91) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) is sacked by Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa, right, recovers a fumble during the first quarter of their game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa recovers a fumble during the first quarter of their game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
New York Jets linebacker Chazz Surratt (55) tackles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) is tackled by the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) strips the ball from New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) leaps over Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) as he is tackled by New York Jets cornerback Michael Carter II (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) gets a hand on New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu sacks Zach Wilson of the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu celebrates after sacking Zach Wilson of the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throws a pass during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) tackles New York Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17) is tackled by Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. (9) and cornerback Michael Davis (43) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, left, scrambles against Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner reacts during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) commits pass interference against New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (83) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack, right, puts pressure on New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) reacts with Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert scrambles away from New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu sacks New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson during the fourth quarter on Monday night in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Chargers had eight sacks and recovered three fumbles in their 27-6 win. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) sacks New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
A Chargers fan reacts during the game between the Chargers and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throws a pass during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) reacts after sacking New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu reacts after sacking New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) scrambles away from Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The Chargers’ Michael Davis, right, tries to tackle New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson during the second half at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets reacts during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) huddles with teammates during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert passes against the New York Jets during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen catches a pass with one hand during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chargers safety Alohi Gilman (32) reacts after recovering a fumble and returning it to the New York Jets’ 2-yard line during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
A Chargers fan reacts during the game between the Chargers and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Chargers react after defeating the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, left, greets New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson after the Chargers defeated the Jets, 27-6, on Monday night in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) greets Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) after playing in an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert signs autographs after defeating the New York Jets 27-6 at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) greets fans after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
A Chargers fan reacts during the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) signs autographs for fans after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers fans react during the game between the Chargers and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chargers fans cheer during the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, answers questions during a news conference after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert answers questions during a news conference after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen warms up before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
A Chargers fan looks on before the game between the Chargers and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Injured New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks on the field before a game between the New York Jets and the Chargers , Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
A New York Jets fan looks on during the game between the Chargers and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The postgame music boomed through the Chargers’ locker room after they routed the New York Jets, 27-6, on Monday night. They sang and danced in celebration of returning to the .500 mark with a suffocating defensive showing that tormented the Jets from beginning to end.
In the final minutes, fans clad in the Chargers’ powder blue colors had appeared from all corners of MetLife Stadium, gathering en masse near the tunnel leading to the visitors’ locker room. “De-fense, de-fense, de-fense,” they bellowed as the Chargers turned away the Jets one final time.
“We always want to be the people who set the tone early and be aggressive, and that’s kind of what we’ve tried to do these last couple of games,” Chargers safety Alohi Gilman said. “It’s something that’s been working for us, and having them (opponents) playing on our terms is what we’ve been going for.”
It was a grind, a 60-minute slog, the sort of game the Chargers hadn’t played this season. Yards were a precious commodity for both teams, but especially for the Chargers, so accustomed to moving with ease down the field, with quarterback Justin Herbert serving as their tour guide.
Herbert’s usual connections were well-covered by the Jets, whose pressure on him forced him into a career-low 136 yards on 16-for-30 passing with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Keenan Allen caught half of Herbert’s passes for 77 yards, topping 10,000 yards receiving for his career.
Only tight end Antonio Gates, with 11,841 yards, had more in Chargers history.
Allen topped the 10K mark with a twisting, turning catch along the sideline that produced the Chargers’ largest offensive gain of the game, a reception Allen would later say was “fire.” He said he hadn’t watched the video of it, but suffice it to say it led to the second of Cameron Dicker’s two field goals.
“I mean, it’s been 11 years,” said Allen, who has spent his entire career with the Chargers. “Once you can stack up the years, and all the coaches I’ve always had said to stack ‘em up, stack up your seasons, stack up your games. Once you do that, the numbers start to accumulate and records start to get broken.”
In the end, though, the Chargers’ second consecutive victory was more about defense than offense. They sacked Wilson eight times, forced him to fumble twice and limited the Jets to two field goals before a defensive stand in the red zone in the final moments made it sound as if SoFi Stadium had moved east.
The Jets (4-4) outgained the Chargers (4-4) by 270-191, but managed only 64 yards on the ground. Safety Derwin James Jr. led the Chargers with 10 tackles, including seven solo. Gilman forced one fumble and returned another 48 yards to set up the second of Austin Ekeler’s two touchdown runs.
Outside linebackers Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu tormented Wilson. Bosa was credited with 2½ sacks and also forced a fumble that would set up the first of Ekeler’s touchdowns. Mack and Tuipuloto each had two sacks. Safety Dean Marlowe had one and defensive lineman Morgan Fox had a half-sack.
“It (ticked) us off, it (ticked) us off, because we heard how good they were all week, all week,” James said of the narrative that the Jets’ defense was superior to the Chargers’ defense. “We wanted to hold our own and show that we have a great defense, too. (Monday) was a step toward that, for sure.”
The Chargers forced two turnovers and scored two touchdowns and seized a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, feeding off a pregame energy that was evident during the warmups. James ran around slapping hands with his teammates and coaches and gave Herbert a playful shove.
Herbert shoved him back playfully.
“I ain’t do nothing,” James said, underrating his value as a motivator.
The Chargers then went three-and-out on their first possession, a dubious beginning that was quickly forgotten after rookie Derius Davis weaved his way through traffic for an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown with 13:15 left in the first quarter. It was the longest in the NFL this season.
“It was big, it was big,” James said of the jolt Davis’ touchdown gave the Chargers in the early minutes of the game, the only score they would need to win. “When we’re connected on special teams to offense and defense, that’s the type of performance we’re capable of going and doing.”
