DENVER — Justin Herbert led a time-consuming and strategic offensive effort for the Los Angeles Chargers that took full advantage of the absence of standout cornerback Patrick Surtain II, securing a 23-16 victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh had to be evaluated by medical staff at the game’s onset but made a return to the sidelines during the first quarter. He later shared with a CBS reporter that he was experiencing heart arrhythmia.
Throughout much of the match, it seemed like the Chargers (3-2) might inflict the Broncos (3-3) with their first home shutout in franchise history, which has spanned 65 years. However, following two turnovers and five punts from the Broncos, quarterback Bo Nix orchestrated a successful 95-yard drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Troy Franklin, another Oregon product, early in the fourth quarter.
Adding more drama, Courtland Sutton executed a remarkable diving 15-yard touchdown catch with 5:22 left in the game. Unfortunately for the Broncos, a failed 2-point conversion attempt meant they still faced a double-digit deficit. Nevertheless, they managed to advance to the Chargers’ 32-yard line, where Wil Lutz’s 40-yard field goal narrowed the gap to 23-16 with just 59 seconds remaining.
The Broncos’ attempt at an onside kick fell short, allowing the Chargers to celebrate their first victory against Denver in two years and their first against Sean Payton in seven matchups.
The game showcased the two NFL defenses that were ranked in the top-ten for points, yards, yards rushing, and passing yards allowed. The matchup was expected to favor the Broncos, especially with Chargers’ star Joey Bosa sidelined for the second consecutive game due to a persistent hip issue.
However, the sudden injury to Surtain on the very first defensive play for the Broncos changed the dynamics completely, and the team saw their three-game winning streak come to a halt as they found themselves down 23-0 at the start of the fourth quarter.
Surtain was injured while attempting to break up a pass from Herbert to Ladd McConkey, and it appears he may be out again for the Broncos’ next game, which is scheduled on Thursday night in New Orleans.
Without Surtain’s presence on the field, Denver struggled to contain the Chargers, who managed to put up two field goals and two touchdowns before the first half concluded with a kneel-down. The Chargers dominated time of possession in the first two quarters, holding the ball for 21 minutes, 13 seconds, compared to Denver’s mere 8:47.
The Broncos’ sole play in Chargers territory during the first half ended in disaster when running back Javonte Williams fumbled the ball. Rookie running back Kimami Vidal made a statement with a 38-yard touchdown catch-and-run that brought the score to 10-0 for the Chargers. J.K. Dobbins also contributed with a 4-yard touchdown run before halftime, and Cameron Dicker successfully added field goals from 20 and 33 yards.
The latter field goal capped off an impressive 20-play, 76-yard drive that took an astonishing 10:29, occurring just one play after Herbert had to recover his fumble due to a strip sack by Jonathon Cooper.
Surtain’s absence illustrated his crucial role within the Broncos, especially following his recent standout performance a week earlier, which earned him honors as AFC defensive player of the week for a game in which he intercepted two passes.
Surtain’s injury occurred immediately after Chargers safety Elijah Molden intercepted Nix’s first attempt and returned it 25 yards to the Denver 31-yard line, leading to a field goal while Harbaugh was still being treated.
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter took over coaching responsibilities until Harbaugh rejoined the team midway through the first quarter, during a Chargers drive for another touchdown.
Dobbins concluded the game with 96 yards on 25 carries for the Chargers.
Injury Report:
For the Chargers, G/T Trey Pickens (shoulder), TE Hayden Hurst (groin), and DB Deane Leonard (hamstring) exited in the second quarter, while CB Kristian Fulton (hamstring) departed in the third.
For the Broncos, RT Alex Palczewski (ankle) was listed as inactive, and TE Greg Dulcich was a healthy scratch for the second consecutive week.
Looking Ahead:
The Chargers are set to visit the Arizona Cardinals on the evening of October 21. Meanwhile, the Broncos will head to New Orleans on Thursday night for Payton’s widely anticipated return to his former team.