The Chargers fell to the Giants on Sunday, 21-18. Despite a rally late in the game, the pressure, penalties and turnovers were too much to overcome.
Before moving on to preparing for the Commanders, here are Los Angeles’ winners and losers from Week 4.
Stud: RB Omarion Hampton
The rookie running back had a breakout performance, rushing for 128 yards on 12 carries, including a 54-yard touchdown run. This was Hampton’s first game as the lead back, and he showed his worth in shouldering the load. The former North Carolina product displayed patience, explosiveness, and physicality to pick up yards after contact. Additionally, he caught the ball well out of the backfield, turning five catches into 37 yards.
Dud: Not resorting to the run game
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Amid Hampton’s best performance to date, offensive coordinator Greg Roman continued to rely on the passing game, which struggled due to the Giants’ relentless pass rush that constantly pressured Justin Herbert. Roman was brought in to bolster the run game, but he hardly resorted to it for a reason that remains to be seen.
Stud: WR Quentin Johnston
Johnston continued his strong start to the season, scoring a 36-yard touchdown, his fourth in four games. He also led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and targets in the game. After his struggles with dropped passes early in his career, it’s clear that Herbert trusts him enough in key situations.
Dud: Pass protection
Losing left tackle Joe Alt was a big hit to an offensive line that was already missing Rashawn Slater and Mekhi Becton. Facing arguably one of the best defensive fronts in all of football, they were outmatched as Herbert was pressured 21 times. Alt’s replacement, Austin Deculus, allowed the most among the group (6).
Stud: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
Speaking of pressure, Tuipulotu lived in the backfield on Sunday, totaling a whopping seven quarterback pressures, five tackles for loss and four sacks. He tied for the second-most sacks in a game by any Chargers player this century. While Khalil Mack has been sidelined with his injury, Tuipulotu has stepped up in a big way as the No. 1 edge rusher.
Dud: Penalties
The Chargers lacked discipline on Sunday, committing 14 penalties for 107 yards. This was tied for the most penalties the team has incurred in a single game since 2000. The flags disrupted Los Angeles’ offensive rhythm and gave the Giants more favorable field position throughout the game.
Dud: Turnovers
Herbert threw two interceptions. These were his first interceptions of the 2025 season, ending a nine-game streak without throwing a pick in the regular season. Both interceptions proved to be crucial, as they were returned deep into Chargers territory and led to ten of the Giants’ 21 points.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 3 studs, 4 duds from the Chargers’ loss to the Giants
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
