El SEGUNDO, Calif. – Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert are closely associated in their careers.

Burrow was the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, while Herbert was chosen sixth. Both quarterbacks have made significant impacts early in their careers. Burrow stands as the single-season passing yards leader for the Bengals and currently leads the NFL in passing yards. Herbert has set the record for the most completions in a quarterback’s first five seasons and boasts the highest passing yards total for a QB in their first four seasons in the NFL.

The presence of these two outstanding quarterbacks is a key reason why the NFL has scheduled the matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Chargers to be played in primetime this Sunday evening.

“I have a lot of respect for him. We met at the combine, and he’s a great guy,” Herbert commented about Burrow. “He’s adept at making plays, showcasing excellent timing, rhythm, and the ability to perform when the situation isn’t ideal, which is tough for defenses.”

Burrow reciprocated these feelings when discussing Herbert this week.

“I think Justin is fantastic. He has one of the strongest arms in the league and plays the game the right way. He can escape and create plays when required. He’s a big, strong player who doesn’t shy away from taking hits. I’ve always respected him greatly,” Burrow told reporters in Cincinnati.

“We got to know each other a bit at the combine. He’s enjoyable company. I like his personality, and I believe we’d be good friends if we spent more time together.”

This season, Burrow and the Bengals represent a crucial opportunity for the Chargers to secure their first major win. The Chargers currently boast the top-ranked scoring defense in the league, allowing an average of just 13.1 points per game. They are one of only four teams since 1990 to restrict opponents to 20 points or less in each of their first nine games of the season. Over the last three games, the defense has delivered 18 sacks.

However, the Chargers’ six wins have come against teams led by quarterbacks who are either average or below average, including Gardner Minshew, Bryce Young, Bo Nix, Spencer Rattler, Jameis Winston, and Will Levis.

The Chargers have suffered three losses, facing top quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, Justin Fields with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals.

On Sunday night, the Chargers have a chance to achieve a notable victory as they enter a challenging stretch facing several of the league’s elite quarterbacks: Burrow in Week 11, Lamar Jackson in Week 12, Kirk Cousins in Week 13, and Mahomes in Week 14.

“November is when football becomes memorable,” said Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack. “We need to perform at our best and improve each week.”

“These games are a true test of your competitive spirit, especially from a mental perspective. It will be challenging, but I embrace challenges.”

If the Chargers can limit the Bengals to 20 points or less, they would join a select group of just five teams since 1970 to keep opponents under 20 points in their first ten games of a season.

While all eyes will be on the two stellar quarterbacks, a strong showing from the Chargers’ top-rated scoring defense might be the essential factor for them to achieve their first significant win of the season.

“Joe Burrow is a quarterback who is fully in control. He understands how teams plan to play against him and reads the coverage excellently. There are no hidden tricks with Joe; he’s an elite player and a top-tier quarterback,” Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter stated.

“We are eager for this challenge and excited about the chance to showcase our best effort.”