Chargers vs. Rams first-half highlights

The Chargers lead the Rams at the half, 17-10.

Here are all of Los Angeles’ notable highlights from the first two quarters.

The Chargers’ defense got off to a hot start.

Despite giving up a few chunk plays on the ground, Los Angeles managed to get the Rams into a third-down situation. Baker Mayfield dropped back, but nobody picked up blitzing corner Bryce Callahan, leaving Mayfield without anywhere to go. Callahan directed him into Morgan Fox, who finished the sack and forced a Rams punt on their opening drive.

Austin Ekeler extended his lead in total touchdowns early in the second quarter. His 17th of the season came on a ten-yard

run on which the running back powered through two Rams defenders on the goal line to give the Chargers a 7-3 lead.

It’s a game of milestones for Ekeler, who not only leads the NFL in touchdowns but became just the third running back with 100 catches in a season and at least 15 touchdowns from scrimmage with a catch in the first quarter. The other two members of that club are Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson (2003) and Christian McCaffrey (2019).

Ekeler followed up his 17th touchdown of the season with an 18th for good measure, this time outrunning the Rams’ defense for 72 yards to extend the Chargers’ lead to 14-3.

It brought the Chargers to 121 rushing yards before halftime, one of their best performances of the season.

Ekeler broke a few arm tackles in the hole and at the second level before outlasting the Rams’ defense on his way to the end zone.

Story originally appeared on Chargers Wire