AFC South

Ekeler scores 3 touchdowns, Chargers hold off Texans 34-24

HOUSTON (AP) — Austin Ekeler was off to a slow start following a 20-touchdown season, and the Chargers believed he was due for a breakout game.
He had it Sunday, scoring his first three touchdowns of the year to lead Los Angeles to a 34-24 win over the Houston Texans.
“To get him going today was big,” Los Angeles coach Brandon Staley said. “He played like a captain today beyond his performance on the field. He really led our football team on offense and just played with the energy that he’s known for and just a complete performance by him.”
Justin Herbert threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns as the Chargers built a big early lead and held on.
Houston scored 17 straight points to get within three with about 8 1/2 minutes left. The Chargers (2-2) then put together a 12-play, 84-yard drive, capped by Ekeler's 14-yard reception, to put the game away and snap a two-game skid.
The Chargers faced fourth-and-2 from their 45 when Herbert connected with Ekeler on a 21-yard reception to keep the game-sealing drive going.
Ekeler, who had struggled this season as the Chargers ranked last in the league in yards rushing, scored on runs of 10 and 20 yards in the second quarter as Los Angeles raced to a 21-0 lead.
“It felt so good,” he said. “I’ve been deprived over here.”
Ekeler still has work to do to live up to last season, when he ran for 12 scores and caught eight TD passes.
“I had a few opportunities today and was able to capitalize,” he said. “That’s one week, but now, let’s do it again.”
The banged-up Chargers looked great early, scoring on five of their first six possessions to build a 27-7 lead by halftime despite Herbert still dealing with a rib injury and the team playing without star defender Joey Bosa, who had groin…