The Playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams and Chargers have several things in common. Both teams have similar records and seeding: the Rams hold a 10-7 overall record and are a fourth seed in the NFC while the Chargers are seeded fifth in the AFC with a 11-6 overall record.
Another similarity is that they each have a highly effective player named Quentin. For the Chargers, it is wide receiver Quentin Johnston, the 21st overall pick in the 2023 draft. For the Rams, it is safety Quentin Lake, a sixth-round pick in 2022.
Johnston has become a major target for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert this season, leading the Bolts with eight touchdown catches. He is also second on the team in receptions with 55 and receiving yards with 711.
In their season finale 34-20 win against the Las Vegas Raiders, Johnston had a career-high of 186 reception yards.
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“Feels awesome to see, [Johnston] overcame a lot of adversity, so I’m just really happy for him,” said Bolts wideout Derius Davis. “I seen this coming, the type of player he is, the confidence he has in himself each and every week, his preparation.”
Lake rose up to be a leader of the Rams defense, leading the team with 73 solo tackles and placing second in total stops with 111.
“[Lake is] a real good person, he a captain for a reason,” said Rams safety Kam Curl. “He’s the epitome of a team captain. He’s a real good dude off the field and on the field.”
Johnston helped bring the TCU Horned Frogs to the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship during the 2022-2023 season. With the Horned Frogs, he has 2,190 career reception yards from 115 catches.
With the Chargers, Johnston has 93 career catches for 1,142 yards. Bolts head coach Jim Harbaugh called Johnston “an incredible competitor.”
“He’s been playing at a high level all season,” Harbaugh said. “He brings a level of toughness to our team that is a very high level and great performance.”
Lake, who grew up in Irvine and graduated from Mater Dei, led the UCLA Bruins in pass breakups as a senior with nine. He ultimately made 21 pass breakups, 180 total tackles and 129 solo hits in his college career.
After three seasons with the Rams, Lake made 174 total stops, 123 being solo hits, along with 12 pass breakups.
“He’s a true leader,” said Rams corner Emmanuel Forbes Jr. “He always give me pointers of the defense and just really helping me with a lot of things.”
In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Chargers will battle the Houston Texans on January 11 at 1:30P.M. The Rams will host the Minnesota Vikings on January 13 at 5:00P.M.
