The Broncos were effectively sleepwalking on offense for the first three quarters of Sunday’s game against the Chargers.
Although they made things interesting in the fourth quarter, it was too little, too late. Los Angeles came away with a 23-16 victory to move to 3-2 on the season.
The Chargers dominated the first half of the game, taking a 20-0 lead into the break. That made it 23-0 on Cameron Dicker’s 46-yard field goal with 2:35 left in the third quarter.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix entered the fourth quarter going 4 of 14 for just 27 yards with one interception. At that time, he also led the team with 33 rushing yards.
But Denver turned it on during the final period of the game. It took the team eight plays to go 95 yards, ending with a 2-yard touchdown run from Nix to Troy Franklin. Then, after forcing a three-and-out, Denver got the ball back and went down the field in eight more plays, as Nix connected with Courtland Sutton in the back of the end zone for an impressive reception. 15-yard touchdown.
Denver attempted a two-point conversion, but couldn’t do it – keeping the game a two-possession game at 23-13 with 5:22 left.
Although the Broncos got the ball back and Wil Lutz kicked a 40-yard field goal with 59 seconds on the clock, Denver was unable to recover an onside kick, so the Chargers were able to get going. knees.
Nix finished 19 of 33 for 216 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He also led with 61 yards on six carries.
For the Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert had a solid day, completing 21 of 34 passes for a season-high 237 yards with a touchdown. Running back Kimani Vidal caught a 38-yard touchdown pass on his first career touchdown to give Los Angeles a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. JK Dobbins added a 4-yard touchdown run late in the second half.
He finished with 96 yards on 25 carries.
Notably, head coach Jim Harbaugh had to leave the sideline early in the first quarter. CBS’ AJ Ross noted on the show that Harbaugh said he had an arrhythmia problem, something he’s been dealing with on and off for some time. After going to the blue medical tent on the sideline and being examined in the locker room, Harbaugh was back midway through the first quarter and coached the rest of the game.
Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II suffered a concussion in the first quarter and was out for the rest of the contest.
Now at 3-2, the Chargers will face the Cardinals on the road next Monday night.
The 3-3 Broncos have a quick turnaround, as they will travel to New Orleans for a Thursday night game against the Saints.
