Chargers rookies win Week 6

Vidal, Troy's all-time (4,010), single-season (1,661) and single-game (248) rushing record, finished the afternoon with 11 rushing yards and two receptions for 40 receiving yards.

Even though it was his first NFL appearance, his teammates were far from surprised by what he's been able to show since his arrival.

And with his first game under his belt, it's just the beginning of his journey for the rookie sixth-rounder.

“It was great,” Herbert said of Vidal. “He made so many plays and it’s great for him to be able to make a big play like that on his first touchdown.”

“We kind of saw it on film on one occasion like this in the last few weeks,” Herbert added. “We stuck with him, he made a great catch and a great run with it.”

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh added: “I think this was a great development. Now he's in the games. We can trust him a lot more now and he's still able to protect the ball. Make the play and then the defense… I think he's done well in that way too.

Just as Vidal has moved up his position group due to injuries, the same can be said for Hart and Still, who were instrumental in the secondary against the Broncos.

Hart was given the starting role at outside cornerback after Asante Samuel Jr. was placed on injured reserve on Saturday and played a team-high 55 defensive snaps.

The Chargers' rookie cornerback had played in every game so far, but mostly on special teams, aside from a few late defensive snaps in the blowout Week 2 win at Carolina.

Hart was tasked with starting on Sunday and held his own in his first extended run in the NFL.

“I loved him,” Still said of Hart. “I told him before the game, ‘Bro, let’s go. It's time.' He played a great game and showed great composure. He trusted the game plan the coaches had laid out for him.

With Ja'Sir Taylor once again inactive, Still could be relied upon for his second start in this slot.

The highlight of the game for the fifth-round pick came late in the first quarter when he perfectly played a third down down to break up the pass and force a punt.

“Coach Minter told me before the game that the second game is usually light years better than the first time,” Still said. “The game slowed down and I was just seeing things well.”

It was a big day for the rookies, who will continue to develop as they see more and more NFL action.

“Pretty good. Pretty good most of the game,” Harbaugh said of the two rookie corners. “I ended up not finding the route there a few times, got beat on a few excavation routes, but it was a great learning experience for them.”