EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Justin Herbert showcased his confidence amidst the Los Angeles Chargers’ recent passing game difficulties as they secured a 23-16 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. In this match, Herbert threw for a season-best 237 yards, completing passes to nine different receivers. This victory marked his first success in Denver after three previous attempts.
Following the game, Herbert emphasized the importance of a quarterback’s mindset, stating, “The key is to play to win the game. Sometimes, we need to rely on our passing game, while other times the emphasis may shift toward running the ball to control the pace of the game. Today, we found ourselves focused on the air game.” He completed 21 of his 34 throws, contributing one touchdown to the scoreboard.
Notably, despite having a season-high in passing attempts, the Chargers maintained a well-rounded offensive strategy, executing 38 passing plays against 37 designed rushing plays. Herbert’s right ankle, which has been sprained for four weeks, showed significant improvement, allowing him greater mobility against a Denver defensive line that brought multiple rushers on 23 occasions.
Herbert has proven highly effective when pressured, remaining undefeated in two games where opposing teams blitz more than 50% of the time, and holds a 5-3 record under similar conditions when pressure exceeds 40%. He achieved four passes of over 20 yards, one of which included a 38-yard touchdown to rookie Kimani Vidal.
Discussing his performance, Herbert noted, “When I can execute bootlegs and step out of the pocket, it really enhances our offensive options. This freedom allows us to capitalize on play-action and our running game, making us harder to defend.”
The running game showed signs of revival as J.K. Dobbins made significant contributions with 96 yards gained from 25 carries. Coach Jim Harbaugh, who consulted with a cardiologist after facing an irregular heartbeat over the weekend, identified a critical factor behind the team’s improved offensive play as their ability to avoid penalties. Unlike their previous game against Kansas City, the Chargers had no pre-snap infractions.
This discipline significantly aided the team in converting 11 out of 18 third-down attempts, allowing them to evade the majority of third-and-long situations. “I believe this was our strongest four-quarter performance on offense with very few missed assignments,” Harbaugh stated.
In terms of performance highlights, Dobbins excelled when running left, accruing 72 yards on 17 carries directed that way. Impressive statistics from his initial games with the Chargers reveal that 350 out of his 439 rushing yards have come from runs to the left.
On the flip side, adjustments are needed in zone coverage. Denver’s quarterback Bo Nix successfully completed 18 of 28 passes, gathering 214 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers’ zone coverage, contrasting with his poor performance in man coverage where he landed only 1 of 5 passes for 4 yards, alongside a touchdown and an interception. Nix’s fourth-quarter performance was notably productive, where he completed 14 of 18 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown as the Broncos closed the gap on the Chargers.
In terms of rising talent, rookie Kimani Vidal made headlines as he became the first player from the Chargers in four seasons to score on his first NFL touch, racing for a 38-yard touchdown on a wheel route. Last season, Vidal had an impressive performance in college, finishing second in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 1,661 rushing yards while also securing 92 receptions over his college career. His achievement marks the first time a Chargers running back scored a touchdown on his inaugural catch since Hank Bauer in 1977.
Conversely, offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer continues to face challenges, allowing three quarterback pressures from 18 snaps in pass blocking after stepping in for the injured Trey Pipkins. Across three games, his performance indicates six pressures from only 57 snaps at both left tackle and guard.
Injury reports reveal that Pipkins, along with tight end Hayden Hurst (groin), defensive back Deane Leonard (hamstring), and cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring) exited the game and will undergo evaluations during the week. The Chargers have already been dealing with the absence of starting cornerback Asante Samuel, who was placed on injured reserve last week, along with linebacker Joey Bosa, who has missed the last two games due to a hip issue.
Key statistics reveal the Chargers’ defense forced six turnovers in the first half, leading the AFC and ranking third in the league overall. Additionally, kicker Cameron Dicker has made 53 consecutive field goals within 50 yards, the longest active streak in the NFL and the third-longest since 1991.
Looking ahead, the Chargers are set for their first of three prime-time games scheduled for Monday night against Arizona. Coach Jim Harbaugh carries a perfect record of 6-0 in “Monday Night Football” matchups while as a coach, and his record as a starting quarterback stands at 3-6.
