Colts vs Chargers Match Player Stats
The colts vs chargers match player stats from the Indianapolis Colts’ 38-24 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on October 20, 2025, tell a much deeper story than the final score alone. Indianapolis finished with an efficient passing performance from Daniel Jones, a three-touchdown rushing display from Jonathan Taylor, and two defensive interceptions. Los Angeles produced more passing volume through Justin Herbert and 420 passing yards, but turnovers, limited rushing production, and Indianapolis’ efficiency in key situations helped decide the game.
This matchup is a useful example of why player statistics need context. Herbert’s 420 passing yards look outstanding on the surface, while Jones’ 288 yards may appear modest by comparison. Yet Jones finished with two touchdown passes, no interceptions, and a 113.4 passer rating, while Herbert threw three touchdowns but also two interceptions. The Colts also controlled the ground game, with Taylor accounting for three rushing touchdowns.
The analysis below focuses on the supplied ESPN box score data and breaks down the individual performances that shaped the result.
Colts vs Chargers Match Player Stats
Here is the central statistical picture from the game.
| Category | Indianapolis Colts | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Final Score | 38 | 24 |
| Passing Yards | 288 | 420 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 3 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 0 | 2 |
| Team Rushing Yards | 120 | 54 |
| Team Rushing TDs | 3 | 0 |
| Receptions | 23 | 37 |
| Receiving Yards | 288 | 420 |
| Receiving TDs | 2 | 3 |
| Defensive Interceptions | 2 | 0 |
| Sacks | 3 | 1 |
| QB Hits | 15 | 5 |
| Tackles | 73 | 58 |
The most important takeaway is the contrast between volume and efficiency.
Los Angeles generated substantially more passing production. Herbert completed 37 of 55 attempts for 420 yards and three touchdowns. However, Indianapolis created two interceptions and limited the Chargers to only 54 rushing yards.
The Colts, meanwhile, did not need Jones to throw for 400 yards. Their offense was balanced enough to get 120 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns from the ground game.
That balance made Indianapolis much more difficult to defend.
Daniel Jones vs Justin Herbert
Daniel Jones’ Efficient Performance
Daniel Jones completed 23 of 34 passes for 288 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt. He threw two touchdowns without an interception and finished with a 113.4 passer rating.
Those numbers show why the Colts were able to win without relying on overwhelming passing volume.
Jones attempted 21 fewer passes than Herbert, yet Indianapolis still scored 38 points. His 8.5 yards per attempt also indicates that the Colts were not simply relying on short, low-risk completions.
The most important part of his performance was his ball security.
Against a Chargers offense capable of scoring quickly, giving away possessions could have changed the game. Jones avoided an interception and helped Indianapolis maintain offensive efficiency.
His reported numbers were:
| Daniel Jones Statistic | Result |
| Completions | 23 |
| Attempts | 34 |
| Completion Rate | 67.6% |
| Passing Yards | 288 |
| Yards per Attempt | 8.5 |
| Passing TDs | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 7 |
| QBR | 90.5 |
| Passer Rating | 113.4 |
A completion rate of approximately 67.6% combined with 8.5 yards per attempt represents a strong balance between accuracy and downfield production.
Justin Herbert’s High-Volume Passing Game
Justin Herbert produced one of the biggest statistical passing performances in the matchup.
He completed 37 of 55 attempts for 420 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He averaged 7.6 yards per attempt and recorded a 93.0 passer rating.
His passing totals were considerably larger than Jones’ totals, but the two interceptions were crucial.
| Justin Herbert Statistic | Result |
| Completions | 37 |
| Attempts | 55 |
| Completion Rate | 67.3% |
| Passing Yards | 420 |
| Yards per Attempt | 7.6 |
| Passing TDs | 3 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Sacks | 3 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 29 |
| QBR | 52.9 |
| Passer Rating | 93.0 |
Herbert’s 67.3% completion rate was nearly identical to Jones’ 67.6%. The major difference was volume and turnover management.
Herbert attempted 55 passes because the Chargers had to rely heavily on the passing game. Los Angeles produced only 54 rushing yards, meaning the offense had limited balance.
That made Herbert’s job more demanding. Indianapolis could focus more defensive attention on the passing game while still producing pressure.
Jonathan Taylor Was the Offensive Difference-Maker
Three Rushing Touchdowns Changed the Game
Jonathan Taylor was arguably the most important individual offensive player for Indianapolis.
He carried the ball 16 times for 94 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, and scored three touchdowns.
His longest run went for 23 yards.
| Jonathan Taylor Statistic | Result |
| Carries | 16 |
| Rushing Yards | 94 |
| Average | 5.9 |
| Rushing TDs | 3 |
| Longest Run | 23 yards |
Taylor did not need 25 or 30 carries to make an impact.
His 94 rushing yards represented most of Indianapolis’ 120 team rushing yards. More importantly, he converted rushing opportunities into touchdowns.
That is the type of production that changes the shape of a football game.
Instead of asking Jones to win every scoring possession through the air, Indianapolis could use Taylor near the goal line and throughout the game to maintain offensive balance.
Indianapolis’ Ground Game
The Colts finished with 23 rushing attempts for 120 yards.
That works out to 5.2 yards per carry, which is an efficient team rushing average.
The offense also produced three rushing touchdowns.
In contrast, Los Angeles finished with only 16 carries for 54 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry.
That creates one of the clearest statistical differences in the matchup.
| Rushing Category | Colts | Chargers |
| Attempts | 23 | 16 |
| Yards | 120 | 54 |
| Average | 5.2 | 3.4 |
| Rushing TDs | 3 | 0 |
| Longest Run | 23 | 11 |
Indianapolis gained 66 more rushing yards than Los Angeles.
That is significant because it affected more than the rushing column. A productive running game can help control possession, create manageable down-and-distance situations, and reduce the amount of pressure placed on the quarterback.
Colts Receiving Statistics
Alec Pierce led Indianapolis in receiving yardage.
He caught five passes for 98 yards, averaging 19.6 yards per reception. His longest reception covered 48 yards, and he received 10 targets.
Pierce’s numbers demonstrate how Indianapolis combined efficient quarterback play with explosive receiving opportunities.
| Colts Receiver | Receptions | Yards | Average | TDs | Long | Targets |
| Alec Pierce | 5 | 98 | 19.6 | 0 | 48 | 10 |
| Tyler Warren | Not fully supplied | Not fully supplied | Not supplied | 1 | Not supplied | Not supplied |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | Not fully supplied | Not fully supplied | Not supplied | 1 | Not supplied | Not supplied |
The supplied box score confirms that Tyler Warren and Michael Pittman Jr. each caught a touchdown.
The Colts finished with 23 receptions for 288 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
The 48-yard long reception from Pierce was especially important because explosive plays can quickly change field position and scoring opportunities.
Chargers Receiving Statistics
The Chargers produced substantially more receiving volume.
Oronde Gadsden led the team with seven receptions for 164 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 23.4 yards per reception and had a 53-yard longest reception.
That is an exceptional yards-per-catch figure.
| Chargers Receiver | Receptions | Yards | Average | TDs | Long | Targets |
| Oronde Gadsden | 7 | 164 | 23.4 | 1 | 53 | 9 |
| Keenan Allen | Not fully supplied | Not fully supplied | Not supplied | 1 | Not supplied | Not supplied |
| Quentin Johnston | Not fully supplied | Not fully supplied | Not supplied | 1 | Not supplied | Not supplied |
Gadsden’s 164 yards represented a major portion of Herbert’s passing production.
The Chargers also had receiving touchdowns from Gadsden, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston.
As a team, Los Angeles recorded 37 receptions for 420 yards, averaging 11.4 yards per reception.
The numbers show that Los Angeles’ passing offense was productive even though the team lost.
That distinction matters.
A team can generate impressive offensive statistics and still lose when turnovers, rushing efficiency, defensive stops, and scoring efficiency move the game in the other direction.
Why Herbert’s 420 Yards Did Not Produce a Win
One of the most interesting elements of these colts vs chargers match player stats is the difference between Herbert’s passing volume and the final outcome.
Herbert threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns.
Those are winning-type numbers in many games.
But he also threw two interceptions.
Indianapolis’ defense recorded interceptions from Grover Stewart and Nick Cross.
Those takeaways gave the Colts opportunities that Los Angeles could not recover.
The game therefore provides a useful lesson in evaluating quarterback statistics.
Passing yards tell you how much production a quarterback generated through the air. They do not automatically tell you whether those possessions were efficient enough or whether turnovers erased some of that production.
Jones had:
- 288 passing yards
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 113.4 passer rating
Herbert had:
- 420 passing yards
- 3 passing touchdowns
- 2 interceptions
- 93.0 passer rating
Herbert produced more yardage and one additional touchdown pass.
Jones produced better turnover protection and a higher passer rating.
The Colts also had a major advantage in rushing touchdowns.
That combination helps explain the final score.
Indianapolis Defensive Performance
The Colts defense recorded 73 total tackles, including 43 solo tackles.
The unit also produced:
- 3 sacks
- 4 tackles for loss
- 6 pass defenses
- 15 quarterback hits
- 2 interceptions
The 15 quarterback hits stand out.
Even though Herbert completed 37 passes, Indianapolis consistently created pressure around him.
That is particularly important because pressure can affect quarterback decision-making even when it does not result in a sack.
Indianapolis recorded three sacks compared with one for Los Angeles.
The Colts therefore won both the turnover battle and the pressure battle according to the supplied box score.
Grover Stewart and Nick Cross
Grover Stewart and Nick Cross each recorded an interception.
Those were the only defensive interceptions in the game.
The Chargers did not intercept Jones.
That turnover differential was one of the clearest statistical advantages for Indianapolis.
When evaluating the game, these defensive contributions deserve nearly as much attention as the headline offensive numbers.
Chargers Defensive Performance
Los Angeles recorded 58 tackles, including 32 solo tackles.
The Chargers defense also finished with:
- 1 sack
- 3 tackles for loss
- 4 pass defenses
- 5 quarterback hits
- 0 interceptions
The difference in quarterback hits was substantial.
Indianapolis recorded 15, while Los Angeles recorded only five.
That does not mean every quarterback hit directly caused a scoring opportunity, but it does indicate that the Colts defense was more disruptive around the quarterback.
The Chargers defense also faced an Indianapolis offense that was able to run effectively.
Taylor’s three rushing touchdowns made it difficult for Los Angeles to rely exclusively on defending the passing game.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams can easily disappear from a postgame discussion when offensive numbers dominate the headlines, but the supplied statistics provide useful context.
Kick Returns
Indianapolis recorded five kick returns for 193 yards.
That produced an average of 38.6 yards per return, with an 81-yard long return.
Los Angeles recorded six kick returns for 147 yards, averaging 24.5 yards per return.
| Kick Return Category | Colts | Chargers |
| Returns | 5 | 6 |
| Yards | 193 | 147 |
| Average | 38.6 | 24.5 |
| Long | 81 | 30 |
| TDs | 0 | 0 |
The Colts therefore had a substantial advantage in kick-return yardage.
Indianapolis also had no punt returns recorded, while Derius Davis returned one Los Angeles punt for negative three yards.
Kicking
Michael Badgley went 1-for-1 on field goals and 3-for-4 on extra points for six points.
His field goal was from 36 yards.
Cameron Dicker went 1-for-1 on field goals and 3-for-3 on extra points, also producing six points.
Dicker’s field goal was from 43 yards.
Both kickers successfully converted their field-goal attempts.
The extra-point difference came from Indianapolis missing one opportunity.
Punting Comparison
Rigoberto Sanchez punted twice for Indianapolis, producing 87 total yards and a 43.5-yard average.
One punt landed inside the 20-yard line, while his longest went 44 yards.
JK Scott punted once for Los Angeles for 53 yards.
His punt averaged 53 yards and resulted in a touchback.
The limited number of punts is also informative.
It suggests that both offenses were frequently able to move the football without repeatedly ending drives through conventional punts.
The Biggest Statistical Mismatches
Looking at the entire box score, several differences stand out.
1. Rushing Production
Indianapolis:
120 yards
Los Angeles:
54 yards
The Colts gained 66 more rushing yards.
That was a major offensive advantage.
2. Rushing Touchdowns
Indianapolis scored three rushing touchdowns.
Los Angeles scored none.
Jonathan Taylor accounted for all three Colts rushing touchdowns listed in the supplied statistics.
3. Turnovers
Indianapolis recorded two defensive interceptions.
Los Angeles recorded none.
Herbert threw two interceptions, while Jones threw none.
This was arguably the most important statistical difference.
4. Defensive Pressure
Indianapolis recorded 15 quarterback hits.
Los Angeles recorded five.
The Colts also had three sacks compared with one for the Chargers.
5. Passing Volume
Los Angeles clearly won this category.
Herbert threw 55 passes compared with 34 for Jones.
The Chargers also gained 420 passing yards compared with 288 for Indianapolis.
But the extra passing volume did not translate into the victory.
A Deeper Look at Offensive Efficiency
Raw yardage can sometimes hide the way a game was actually played.
Indianapolis scored 38 points despite producing 288 passing yards and 120 rushing yards.
That means the Colts generated 408 combined passing and rushing yards from the supplied team totals.
Los Angeles produced 474 combined passing and rushing yards, with 420 passing yards and 54 rushing yards.
So Los Angeles actually generated more total offensive yardage.
Yet Indianapolis won by 14 points.
That is one of the strongest reasons not to judge a football game exclusively by total yardage.
The Colts were more effective at turning their production into points while avoiding the costly turnovers that affected Los Angeles.
The scoring profile reinforces this.
Indianapolis:
- 38 points
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 3 rushing touchdowns
- 2 defensive interceptions
- 0 interceptions thrown by Jones
Los Angeles:
- 24 points
- 3 passing touchdowns
- 0 rushing touchdowns
- 2 interceptions thrown by Herbert
- 0 defensive interceptions
The Colts’ ability to score on the ground gave their offense another path to the end zone.
What the Stats Say About Each Quarterback
Daniel Jones
Jones’ performance was built around efficiency.
He did not dominate the passing volume, but he completed 23 of 34 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
His 113.4 passer rating was higher than Herbert’s 93.0.
For a quarterback playing alongside a productive rushing attack, that type of performance is often enough.
Jones avoided giving the Chargers additional possessions through interceptions while taking advantage of opportunities in the passing game.
Justin Herbert
Herbert’s performance was more complicated.
The 420 passing yards and three touchdowns demonstrate his ability to move the football against Indianapolis.
His seven-yard-plus average per attempt also shows that this was not simply a short-passing performance.
However, the two interceptions mattered.
Herbert also took three sacks for 29 yards.
The result was a high-volume passing performance that generated significant yardage but was not efficient enough to overcome Indianapolis’ advantages elsewhere.
What the Game Teaches About Player Evaluation
The colts vs chargers match player stats are useful for anyone trying to understand football beyond basic box-score rankings.
A common mistake is to assume the player with the most yards had the best overall performance.
This matchup shows why that approach can be misleading.
Herbert had 132 more passing yards than Jones.
But Jones had the higher passer rating and did not throw an interception.
Gadsden had 164 receiving yards, significantly more than any fully supplied Indianapolis receiving total.
Yet the Colts won.
Taylor had only 94 rushing yards, but his three touchdowns gave his production enormous scoring value.
This is why touchdowns, turnovers, efficiency, and context should be considered alongside yardage.
Players Who Deserved the Most Attention
Based strictly on the supplied statistics, several players stand out.
Jonathan Taylor
Taylor’s three rushing touchdowns made him one of the most influential players in the game.
His 94 yards on 16 carries also produced a strong 5.9-yard average.
Daniel Jones
Jones delivered a highly efficient passing performance.
His 288 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions, and 113.4 rating formed an important foundation for the victory.
Justin Herbert
Despite the loss, Herbert produced 420 passing yards and three touchdowns.
His volume was enormous, although the two interceptions significantly affected the overall value of the performance.
Oronde Gadsden
Gadsden was the Chargers’ leading receiver with 164 yards on seven catches.
His 23.4 yards per reception and 53-yard longest reception show how dangerous he was as an explosive receiving option.
Grover Stewart and Nick Cross
Both Indianapolis defenders intercepted Herbert.
Those turnovers were among the most consequential individual defensive plays recorded in the box score.
Team Records and Game Context
The supplied data lists Indianapolis at 6-1 overall and 2-1 on the road following the game.
The Chargers were listed at 4-3 overall and 2-2 at home.
That context matters because Indianapolis was building a strong season record while Los Angeles remained competitive despite this setback.
The final 38-24 score also shows that this was not a defensive shutout-type victory.
Both offenses produced significant yardage.
Instead, the Colts won through a combination of:
- Efficient quarterback play
- Strong rushing production
- Three rushing touchdowns
- Two defensive interceptions
- More defensive pressure
- Stronger kick-return production
That combination is more revealing than any individual statistic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the leading rusher in the Colts vs Chargers game?
Jonathan Taylor led Indianapolis with 94 rushing yards on 16 carries. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry and scored three rushing touchdowns.
How many passing yards did Justin Herbert have?
Justin Herbert threw for 420 yards on 37 completions from 55 attempts. He also recorded three touchdowns and two interceptions.
How many passing yards did Daniel Jones have?
Daniel Jones completed 23 of 34 passes for 288 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Who was the leading receiver for the Chargers?
Oronde Gadsden led Los Angeles with seven receptions for 164 yards and one touchdown. His longest reception was 53 yards.
How many interceptions did the Colts defense record?
Indianapolis recorded two interceptions. Grover Stewart and Nick Cross each recorded one.
Why did Indianapolis win despite having fewer passing yards?
The Colts compensated with a stronger rushing attack, three rushing touchdowns, better turnover results, and greater defensive pressure. Indianapolis ran for 120 yards compared with 54 for Los Angeles, while Herbert threw two interceptions and Jones threw none.
Conclusion
The final score of Indianapolis 38, Los Angeles 24 does not tell the complete story of this matchup.
The passing statistics favored the Chargers in terms of volume. Justin Herbert threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns, while Oronde Gadsden produced 164 receiving yards. Those numbers show that Los Angeles had plenty of offensive firepower.
Indianapolis, however, was more balanced.
Daniel Jones protected the football while producing 288 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Jonathan Taylor supplied 94 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The Colts’ defense added two interceptions, three sacks, 15 quarterback hits and six pass defenses.
The result was an important statistical lesson: more yardage does not always equal a better overall performance.
Los Angeles produced 474 combined passing and rushing yards according to the supplied team totals, while Indianapolis produced 408. Yet Indianapolis converted its opportunities more effectively and avoided the turnover mistakes that hurt the Chargers.
For anyone studying this game, the most important numbers are therefore not simply Herbert’s 420 passing yards or Taylor’s 94 rushing yards. The larger picture is the relationship between quarterback efficiency, rushing touchdowns, turnovers, defensive pressure and scoring.
That is what makes the box score valuable. It gives you the raw numbers, but understanding how those numbers interacted explains why the Colts walked away with a 38-24 victory.
