Sean M. Haffey/Getty Photographs
The Los Angeles Chargers scored 21 unanswered second-half factors en path to a 34-27 comeback victory in opposition to the AFC West rival Denver Broncos on Thursday in L.A.’s SoFi Stadium.
Bolts quarterback Justin Herbert accomplished 23-of-31 passes for 284 yards, two touchdowns and one interception to steer the 9-6 Chargers, who discover themselves on the doorstep of clinching an AFC Wild Card berth after this win.
Chargers operating again Gus Edwards rushed for 68 yards and two touchdowns. His second rating, from 5 yards out, minimize the Broncos’ result in 24-19 within the third quarter.
L.A. missed the two-point conversion, however the Chargers then compelled a three-and-out and marched 78 yards down the sphere capped by a ravishing 19-yard Herbert dime to Demario Davis.
NFL @NFL
Derius Davis along with his first profession receiving TD!#DENvsLAC on Prime Video
Additionally streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/sBTZ9t4Csp
That throw obtained folks speaking.
Brett Kollmann @BrettKollmann
That is likely one of the greatest throws Justin Herbert has ever made and that’s saying one thing
Herbert then related on a two-point conversion with Josh Palmer, who made a circus catch to present L.A. a 27-24 lead with 12:23 left.
NFL @NFL
Josh Palmer faucets it to himself and secures the two-point conversion!#DENvsLAC on Prime Video
Additionally streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/m5dYaLWOHB
The Chargers’ protection continued its super second half, stonewalling the Broncos on their subsequent two possessions. L.A.’s offense then took care of enterprise thanks to 3 large performs: a 16-yard Herbert scramble, a 43-yard Edwards run and a 34-yard flip cross to Hassan Haskins for an important landing with 2:27 remaining.
NFL @NFL
GUS BUS INTO OVERDRIVE!#DENvsLAC on Prime Video
Additionally streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/DrO7L2NFY6
NFL @NFL
The flip cross. The juke 😮💨… The @Chargers TD!#DENvsLAC on Prime Video
Additionally streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/a5XDe9gfqM
Denver snuck in a 55-yard Wil Lutz subject aim with 57 seconds left, however the Chargers recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to earn the win.
Credit score, after all, goes to a Chargers protection that settled down after letting up three first-half touchdowns.
L.A. kicker Cameron Dicker additionally grew to become the primary participant since 1976 to make a good catch free kick, nailing one from 57 yards out to chop the Broncos’ result in 21-13 at halftime.
NFL @NFL
A uncommon truthful catch free kick leads to a Cameron Dicker 57-yard FG for the @Chargers 🤯
It is the primary free kick FG since 1976! pic.twitter.com/yb0cyPuKnR
Herbert’s efficiency guided L.A. to victory, however head coach Jim Harbaugh, in his first 12 months with the Chargers, has efficiently rotated a crew that hasn’t made the playoffs in six years.
There’s somewhat extra work to be completed on that entrance, however within the meantime, Herbert and Harbaugh acquired well-deserved reward.
Mikey O’ver @MikeyOver1
Justin Herbert when actually each a part of his physique is injured pic.twitter.com/eLH7uDD41v
Dan Orlovsky @danorlovsky7
This is likely one of the greatest video games I’ve ever seen Herbert play
He is been completely improbable
Matt Harmon @MattHarmon_BYB
Big night time from Justin Herbert. Actually enjoyable crew that I’ve loved watching all
season however exhausting to not have a watch towards subsequent 12 months once they add just a few extra items on offense.
Chase Daniel @ChaseDaniel
This is likely one of the greatest “large video games” I’ve seen Justin Herbert play. Fully took over the sport on a bum ankle when Chargers wanted it probably the most.
Herbert: 23/30 284 yards & 2 TD’s 1 INT & 45 rush yards
Benjamin Solak @BenjaminSolak
Man, what a efficiency from the Chargers. Down 21-10, Broncos had look unstoppable. Protection settled in and obtained way more aggressive on the LOS to plug the run and trouble Bo. Herbert has been nails underneath duress. Assertion comeback.
Albert Breer @AlbertBreer
Chargers transfer to 9-6, and wish another win to get into the playoffs with the Patriots and Raiders up subsequent (they might get in earlier than then, too, if the Dolphins and Colts lose on Sunday). Jim Harbaugh’s obtained his crew on the point of a postseason berth in Yr 1.
Gina⚡️ @ginabren
I feel the largest impression to this crew underneath Harbaugh is ENERGY. However you realize what I feel the second greatest is???? GOOD HALFTIME ADJUSTMENTS. Having a crew that may make acceptable halftime changes is LIFE CHANGING. #BoltUp #NFL ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/ndvtnG2Kwi
Joey Richards @LTB_Joey
Broncos protection was actually unhealthy right this moment. Have to present credit score to Harbaugh.
alex katson 🇯🇵 @alexkatson
assume this was simply the very best coached recreation of the 12 months by the Chargers. masterclass by Jesse Minter. Ryan Ficken realizing the free kick legal guidelines. Jim Harbaugh managing the sport accurately. Greg Roman scheming up 34 factors on the #1 protection within the league. large spot for it. good shit
David Fake Cowl 1 @DFauxy
That is how you realize Harbaugh has an impression.
Nearly each different 12 months in Chargers historical past they might’ve fumbled, gotten sacked, discovered some absurd strategy to lose this recreation.
Or they might’ve given up effectively earlier than then.
L.A. can get to the playoffs in just a few other ways, however at this very second, it is win-and-in for the Bolts. The Chargers shall be closely favored of their final two video games on the 3-11 New England Patriots and 2-12 Las Vegas Raiders. The Pats are up first on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. ET.
