Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert scrambles for a 38-yard gain during the first half of a 26-8 victory over the Saints Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

🏈 Chargers 26, Saints 8 — LAST

Justin Herbert connected with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey on a pair of second-half touchdown passes to help the Chargers to a key win that pushed them past the .500 mark.

Herbert completed 20 of 32 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns. His first scoring pass to McConkey came on a 60-yard reception in the third quarter, before finding him again on a nine-yard scoring pass in the fourth quarter.

McConkey made six catches for 111 yards.

The Chargers defense played a role by sacking the Saints’ quarterbacks five times.

Rookie Spencer Rattler started at quarterback for the Saints, but struggled and was replaced by Jake Haener in the third quarter. Rattler completed 12 of 24 passes for 156 yards and Haener completed nine of 17 passes for 122 yards.

The Chargers (4-3) next play in Cleveland on November 3. The Saints (2-6) suffer their sixth straight loss ahead of their game against Carolina next week.