Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh summed it up best after the game.
"Wasn't that cool to have Keenan Allen and Ladd [McConkey] and Quentin [Johnston]?" Harbaugh asked.
The trio of Bolts wide receivers proved to be the difference makers for the offense during the team's season-opening win over the Chiefs in Brazil, combining for a monster night through the air.
Allen, McConkey and Johnston all had their moments at different points in the game, finishing the night in São Paulo with a total of 18 catches for 221 of Justin Herbert’s 318 yards and all three scores.
After an offseason of making plays, the Chargers wide receivers did more of the same in Week 1.
"They've done it all camp and all of OTAs," Herbert said. "They just make plays and make my job so much easier just having those guys out there, especially those three. It's definitely tough on defenses."
Johnston added: "We take everything from the meeting room to the practice facility and take it to the game. Which we saw today."
It was apparent from the get-go after Johnston got the night started with a chunk play on the very first offensive drive.
Faking the hand off Herbert hit Johnston on a crosser that he took 33 yards deep into Chiefs territory on the first pass of the game — a play that was also helped by McConkey's big block to free up space for the receiver.
"We always preach after somebody catches the ball, everybody turns into a blocker," McConkey said. "It's something that we work on and just chasing the ball. As long as everybody is chasing the ball, we're in the right position."
Later on the first drive, Johnston once again made himself available to the Bolts quarterback in the end zone for the first points of game.
And his first of two touchdown grabs that proved to be the difference in the second multi-score game of his career.
"Just trusting coach's play calls, run them to the best of my abilities," Johnston said. "When Justin needs to throw the ball, always be available to be there for it."
The wide outs making themselves available all night proved to be a theme, including with the second-year receiver McConkey.
McConkey hauled in six receptions for 74 yards, working all over the field and getting open while lining up in both the slot and on the outside.
He picked up right where he left off from his rookie season.
"Our guys were getting separation and they were running good and catching the football," Harbaugh said. "It looked good, passing game looked good, that's a real strength for us and the guys executed it at a really high level tonight."
Johnston said: "It hypes us up. Day in and day out, whether it's in the game, practice or even the meetings. We're always bouncing ideas off each other, making ourselves better each and every day."
Speaking of picking up where they left off — a familiar face brought the whole performance together and helped push it over the finish line.
When it came down to it there was none other than Allen, kicking off his 12th campaign in powder blue and back like he never even left.
"Felt like home, back out there with the guys and Herbo," Allen said. "It was good."
The veteran receiver did what he always does and led the Bolts in receptions with seven to go along with 68 yards. He also made sure to secure his homecoming with a score, grabbing his first touchdown as a Charger in 656 days, one that gave them some breathing room in the third quarter.
But where Allen shined the most was doing what he does best and helping move the chains. Six of his receptions went for first downs, including three on third downs.
And when the game was on the line, Herbert knew he had he had to look for No. 13.
Allen had four receptions on the last two Chargers touchdown drives, including two major first down conversions on the final scoring drive that gave them a two-possession lead in the fourth quarter.
His presence has been something not lost on the rest of the young Bolts wide receiver core, and the first game as a trio paid dividends in a big way.
"He's been the league 13 years, why not look up to him? He's done a lot of great stuff for himself, for the Chargers," Johnston said. "Just as an NFL player all around.
"As soon as he came back, we were automatically looking at him for different pointers, different things we could take off him and apply to our game," Johnston added.
When it came down to it, the Bolts wide receivers stepped up to the challenge in the big AFC West battle — and got the wheels churning on a dynamic passing game right from the jump.
"Big win. 1-0 to start the season, 1-0 in the division," Allen said. "It was a home game for us so always good to get a win to get a win against the Chiefs."
