Chargers rookie Derius Davis scores first career touchdown with an 87-YARD punt return against the Jets – the longest in the NFL this season – as he comes off the line in style
- Davis, who joined the Chargers in this year’s NFL Draft, produced a stellar run
- The 23-year-old eluded the Jets’ defense and sprinted 87 yards for his first touchdown
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Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Derius Davis started off in style Monday night as he recorded an incredible first career touchdown against the New York Jets.
In the first quarter at MetLife Stadium, Davis produced an incredible 87-yard punt return to open the scoring for the Chargers.
After going three-and-out on their opening drive, LA’s defense managed to keep the Jets within three and out of their own league, meaning veteran punter Thomas Morstead was forced to produce his first of the night.
The ball finally fell to Davis on the 13th with no defenders around, before he made a sharp cut through a hole in the middle.
After dodging several defenders, the 23-year-old, who transferred to Los Angeles in this year’s NFL draft, charged into the end zone for his first touchdown.
LA Chargers rookie wide receiver Derius Davis hit the ground running in style on Monday night
Davis, 23, recorded his first career touchdown on an 87-yard punt return against the Jets
It was a sensational way to open his NFL account, and it also marked the Chargers’ first punt return touchdown since 2019.
The fourth-round draft pick had a long of 26 yards on his 11 punt returns before Monday night and was averaging 11.6 yards per return this season.
Los Angeles quickly followed up his 87-yard heroics with another touchdown through Austin Ekeler shortly after to extend their lead to 14-0.
Last season, Davis had 42 receptions for 531 yards and five touchdowns for TCU, but his biggest asset is as a return specialist.
He returned five punts and one kickoff for scores during his college career, including two last season. His career average of 15.0 yards on punt returns was third nationally among players with at least 40 returns.
The wide receiver moved to Los Angeles as part of one of the most unlikely trifectas in NFL draft history.
The Chargers became the first team in the common draft era, which began in 1967, to acquire a quarterback and multiple skill position players from the same school in one draft by taking TCU quarterback Max Duggan in the seventh round.
It started the draft by taking Horned Frogs wide receiver Quentin Johnston with the 21st overall pick and adding Davis in the fourth round.