**Colts Defeat Chargers 38-24, Extend NFL-Leading Winning Streak to Six**
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Daniel Jones threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns, while Jonathan Taylor recorded his third three-touchdown game of the season, leading the Indianapolis Colts to a 38-24 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The win improved the Colts’ record to 6-1, maintaining their NFL-best start to the season.
The Colts also snapped a five-game losing streak in Los Angeles, having lost to the Rams at SoFi Stadium last month. Notably, Indianapolis had not defeated the Chargers, Rams, or the now-Las Vegas Raiders in the Los Angeles area since 1986. Overall, the Colts had not beaten the Chargers since September 25, 2016, when they won in Indianapolis.
Off to their best start since 2009, the AFC South-leading Colts dominated early, taking a 23-3 lead at halftime while limiting the Chargers to just 10 rushing yards on six carries. Indianapolis wasted no time putting points on the board, scoring within 2 ½ minutes of the opening kickoff on Taylor’s 23-yard touchdown run.
Jones completed 23 of 34 passes for 288 yards, while Taylor carried the ball 16 times for 94 yards.
Despite the loss, the Chargers (4-3) showed resilience in the second half. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw for a career-high 423 yards and three touchdowns, setting a franchise record with 37 completions. Los Angeles outscored the Colts 21-17 in the second half, mounting a rally with three touchdowns on three consecutive possessions after being limited to a 43-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker in the first half.
On the Chargers’ first drive of the third quarter, Quentin Johnston caught a 7-yard touchdown pass, sparking their comeback attempt. The Colts responded quickly, with Taylor’s 8-yard touchdown run and a successful 2-point conversion pass from Jones to Michael Pittman Jr., extending Indianapolis’ lead to 31-10.
Pittman himself added a 4-yard touchdown reception later in the quarter, and Jones connected with Tyler Warren on a 5-yard score. Michael Badgley contributed a 36-yard field goal in the second quarter to bring the halftime score to 23-3.
**Injuries:**
– Colts defensive end Samson Ebukam left the game in the third quarter due to injury.
– Chargers defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia injured his elbow in the first quarter and did not return.
**Up Next:**
The Colts will host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The Chargers are set to face the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night.
