Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow in spotlight – but Chargers' defense can make statement

El SEGUNDO, Calif. – Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert are forever linked.

Burrow was the top pick in the 2020 NFL draft and Herbert was selected No. 6 overall. Both have enjoyed record-setting starts. Burrow is the Bengals’ single-season passing yards leader and currently tops the NFL in passing yards. Herbert has the most completions by a quarterback in a players first five seasons, and also holds an NFL record for most passing yards by a QB in their first four seasons.

The two elite quarterbacks are a huge reason why the NFL flexed the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Chargers into primetime on Sunday night.

“Got a lot of respect for him. I met him at the combine, he's a great guy,” Herbert said of Burrow. ”I think he makes plays. He’s done such a great job of playing in timing and rhythm and being able to make those off schedule plays where it’s very tough on a defense.”

Burrow shared similar sentiments when asked about Herbert this week.

“I think Justin is great. He’s got one of the strongest arms in the league. He plays football the right way. He can run around and make plays when he needs to. A big strong guy that can make plays with his legs. A tough guy that’s gonna stand in there and take hits. I’ve always had a ton of respect for him,” Burrow said to local Cincinnati reporters.

“We got to know each other a little bit at the combine. He’s fun to be around. I liked his personality. I think we’d be friends if we ever spent time together.”

NFL POWER RANKINGS: Where do Chargers, Bengals land on list?

The two have only faced each other once as starting NFL quarterbacks. Herbert got the better of Burrow and the Bengals, 41-22, in 2021.

This year, Burrow and the Bengals could be the Chargers’ first signature win of the season. The Chargers have the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL, allowing just 13.1 points per game. They are the fourth team since 1990 to allow 20 points or fewer in each of their first nine games of a season. The defense has produced 18 sacks the past three games.

That said, the Chargers’ six victories have come against teams with average or below average quarterbacks (Gardner Minshew, Bryce Young, Bo Nix, Spencer Rattler, Jameis Winston and Will Levis).

The team’s three losses have come versus Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, the Pittsburgh Steelers with Justin Fields under center and a Kyler Murray-led Arizona Cardinals squad.

On Sunday night, the Chargers have an opportunity to make a statement win as they enter a daunting stretch where they face some of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks in Burrow (Week 11), Lamar Jackson (Week 12), Kirk Cousins (Week 13) and Mahomes (Week 14).

“November is the football you remember,” Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack said. “Just got to be hitting on all cylinders and keep elevating week by week.

“Those games show you who you are competitively, especially from a mental standpoint. …It’s gonna be a challenge and I love challenges.”

If the Chargers hold Cincinnati to 20 points or fewer, they will become only the fifth team since 1970 to allow 20 points or less in each of its first 10 games of a season.

While the two standout quarterbacks will garner most of the pregame attention, a strong performance from the top scoring defense in the league could be the key to the Chargers’ first signature win.

"Joe Burrow is a quarterback that's just in complete control. He has a really good understanding of how you're trying to play him, sees the coverage as well. Not a whole lot of tricks going on with Joe. He's such an elite player, elite quarterback,” Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said.

“We are excited for the challenge, excited for the opportunity and look forward to putting our best stuff out there.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Chargers' defense is key in Herbert vs. Burrow showdown