The Chargers’ Quentin Johnston (1) finds running room after a catch against the Patriots.

(Kathryn Riley / Getty Images)

While the defense has remained consistent most of the season, it often has been the offense’s up-and-down play that has kept the team from putting together the elusive four-quarter game.

Now, when they need it most, the Chargers are on their highest offensive swing of the season. They scored on seven consecutive drives after their game-opening punt Saturday before Herbert and many of the starters retreated to the sideline.

Combined with the second half of their Week 16 win over the Broncos, the Chargers have scored on 11 of the last 13 drives that had Herbert at quarterback or didn’t end with a clock-killing kneel-down. They matched a season high in points against the Broncos and eclipsed it against the Patriots.

“I feel like we’re right where we’re supposed to be,” receiver Quentin Johnston said Saturday. “We don’t want to peak too early as far as going into the playoffs, but I feel like we’re doing what we’re doing best. As long as we keep elevating each week, I feel like we’ll be all right.”

Johnston had five catches for 48 yards Saturday while former Texas Christian teammate Davis caught a touchdown pass for the second consecutive game. Davis, a second-year receiver whose impact mostly was limited to being a field-flipping returner, didn’t have a touchdown on offense before last week’s go-ahead score in the fourth quarter.

The first-quarter touchdown against the Patriots might have been more impressive than last week’s clutch play as Davis soared to snare the ball with his fingertips.

“Justin threw a dime and all I did was make a good play,” Davis said. “I just did what I do, what I prepared to do all week, which is to run away from my man.”

Davis has 60 yards on four catches in the last two games, surpassing his total yardage of 47 in the first 14 weeks.