Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) – Denver Broncos (7-6): 7-24
With this 4th defeat in 5 games, the Chargers are very close to elimination. It's not official yet. Given the content offered on this match, it is difficult to see how Brandon Staley's team could qualify for the playoffs. To add a little evidence to this argument, Justin Herbert (9/17, 96 yards, INT), hit on the finger, did not finish the match.
The Broncos move to a positive result with this 6th victory in 7 games. Sean Payton's men can still believe in qualifying for the playoffs, and even hope to hold on to an AFC West more accessible than ever, after the defeat of the Chiefs.
Justin Herbert is not coping
The first period is synonymous with big defenses. Michael Davis snatches the ball from the hands of Marvin Mims Jr., but the Chargers do not take advantage of the momentum, and do not score any points. In addition to having trouble close to the touchdown, they also have difficulty close to their own end zone. Justin Herbert's interception is punished by Javonte Williams (17 races, 91 yards, TD), who opens the scoring.
Suffering 4 sacks, the Chargers quarterback will experience an ordeal in this first period. After another failed 4th attempt, he injured his finger again, did not finish the half, and did not return. Denver could have driven home the point, but Jeudy lacked concentration on his reception. Result: the Broncos do not kill the match, but it is only a matter of time, given a Chargers team totally lacking in confidence.
Staley, Staley, abandoned captain
The Broncos will take 8 minutes to take cover. Accustomed to spectacular receptions, this is again how Courtland Sutton is found by Russell Wilson. Opposite, the tradition of failed 4th attempts continues for the Chargers. Joshua Kelley was stopped by the pair of linebackers Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton.
After a first 4th attempt (finally) converted, a new failure will completely destroy the Chargers' hopes of a comeback. Hope revived by replacement quarterback Easton Stick (13/24, 179 yards), managing (finally) to find Quentin Johnston (3 REC, 91 yards) in depth. This series will culminate in a touchdown on the ground from Austin Ekeler (10 races, 5 REC, 91 yards, TD), who had not scored in 1 month.
But when nothing goes, nothing goes. The defense abandons its coach Brandon Staley, and leaves Adam Trautman alone to score the touchdown that seals the game. To top it off, the Chargers and Easton Stick commit not one, but two fumbles on the last offensive series. The second covered by a Denver player. The nightmare at SoFi Stadium is over for a Los Angeles team where the fall may just be beginning.
COURTLAND SUTTON HAS DONE IT AGAIN
📺: #DENvsLAC on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8SAQa pic.twitter.com/fMKhOaryFA— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023
