Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) – Denver Broncos (9-6): 34-27
At the end of a tight match where the two teams went blow for blow, the Chargers achieved a sweep over their rivals. A victory that took time to take shape, as Los Angeles raced behind for the majority of the match. But once started, Justin Herbert and his team were intractable and left only crumbs for the Broncos. From his first season, Jim Harbaugh succeeded in his bet. The Californians are almost guaranteed to return to the playoffs.
Denver's rookies will not have been enough
The young people of Colorado have often been praised during the season, they responded again this evening. The three touchdowns of the evening thus concern rookies. Audric Estime (9 races, 48 yards, 1 touchdown) first, who thanks to a close run on the initial drive scored his first touchdown in the NFL. Bo Nix (24/34, 220 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 races, 25 yards) then, who twice found the goal with the pass. First on Michael Burton, during the Broncos' second drive. Then on Devaughn Vele, another rookie, for the third consecutive drive. On the other side of the field as well, with rookie Kris Abrams-Draine who distinguished himself by intercepting Justin Herbert. Replacing the injured Riley Moss, the cornerback surely believed he had done the hard part by giving the ball back to his team with an 11-point lead just before the break.
Denver may also harbor regrets as his departure was so promising. This is the first time this season that the Broncos have scored a touchdown on their first two drives of a game. Better yet, by scoring a third in as many drives, they became the very first NFL team to inflict three touchdowns in its first three series to a Jim Harbaugh team. Flattering but insufficient statistics. The weakness of their second half, both offensively and defensively, was fatal to them.
Power outage in premiere, Los Angeles gets the light back
Since 2020, Jim Harbaugh had not won a game where he was down by 11 points. It was then with the University of Michigan. 4 years later, the Los Angeles coach breaks the curse at the best of times.
Because it took time for the Chargers to get into the game. Nervously, the Californians let the Broncos take off and lead 21-10 a few seconds before halftime. Well inspired on special teams, they were nevertheless able to return to shooting range just before the break (13-21) thanks to a fair-catch free kick, a first since 1976. A stroke of genius which restarted the machine and unleashed the 'attack. If Gus Edwards (14 races, 68 yards, 2 touchdowns) was the main architect of the success, the running back was well supported by his quarterback Justin Herbert (23/30, 284 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception). Distributing the ball to 10 different receivers during the game, he allowed Ladd McConkey to become the first rookie receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. to exceed 50 receiving yards in 8 consecutive games.
Decisive victory for Los Angeles which was beginning to lose its footing. After 3 defeats in 4 matches, it arrives at the best time and will allow them to see the end of the year with peace of mind. Because even if they did not win against the weak Patriots and Raiders, they should still reach the playoffs.
