The Chargers lead the Colts at the half, 10-3.
Here are all of Los Angeles’ notable highlights from the first two quarters.
After the two teams traded three and outs to start the game, Indianapolis started to drive down the field, including a fourth-down conversion aided by a Jeff Saturday challenge.
Then, it was Michael Davis’ time to shine.
David fielded a Nick Foles deep throw like the arm punt it was, eventually returning the easy interception 30 yards to give the Chargers the ball back at their own 41.
Colts take a deep shot. Michael Davis said not on my watch! @MikeyQuince
📺: #LACvsIND on ESPN
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/ibALz5obxA pic.twitter.com/PCrSjZDauP— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2022
Most of the time, football teams trade points. Through the first quarter, all the Chargers and Colts traded were interceptions.
After Justin Herbert was intercepted on the drive following Davis’ first pick of the season, the Colts threw it right back to LA. This time, it was Derwin James with the play, tapping his feet in bounds like a veteran receiver.
The interception, Los Angeles’ second of the game, gave the Bolts the ball back at their own 33.
.@DerwinJames goes up to make the incredible interception 🔥
📺: #LACvsIND on ESPN
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/ibALz5oJn8 pic.twitter.com/F6KG74rb1e— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2022
After more than 21 minutes of game time, the Chargers finally broke the 0-0 deadlock.
Los Angeles capped off a 13-play, 70-yard drive with a one-yard Austin Ekeler rushing touchdown, the Chargers’ fourth straight run play of the drive.
The drive was also aided by two Mike Williams receptions of 16 and 18 yards, the latter of which brought the ball into the red zone.
ek doin' ek things @AustinEkeler @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/picVUZHHgc
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 27, 2022
James’ return from injury has turned out to be short-lived.
After returning from a quad injury that had held him out of the last two contests, James had had a stellar game through a quarter and a half, including a phenomenal interception of Colts QB Nick Foles.
Midway through the second quarter, Foles targeted wide receiver Ashton Dulin in the flat, where he was hit with the force of a semi-truck as James flew downhill. The collision was immediately flagged for helmet-to-helmet contact.
Despite James’ protests as he pointed to his shoulder while walking off the field, he was ejected from the remainder of the contest by officials in New York. It seemed as though James was indicating that he hit Dulin in the shoulder initially, but the replay showed clear head-to-head contact.
With James back out of the lineup, Alohi Gilman and Nasir Adderley will take over as the safeties for the rest of the game. Rookie Raheem Layne is also on the roster after being signed off the practice squad before the game.
Derwin James was ejected for this hit
pic.twitter.com/fTQBl6120s— PFF (@PFF) December 27, 2022
