Denver Broncos - Los Angeles Chargers
The Broncos and Chargers played a miserable game on Monday night that ended in overtime.With just 2:38 remaining in the extra period, Dustin Hopkins' 39-yard field goal through the uprights gave Los Angeles a 19-16 victory. However, the Chargers were only given that chance as a result of a botched punt. When he had one of his teammates step directly in front of him and begin blocking an L.A. player during the overtime period, rookie Montrell Washington botched the return. just before the ball was about to arrive in his arms. When Denver's defensive back Deane Leonard recovered the fumbled ball at the Chargers' 28, the contest was all but finished. On third-and-12, quarterback Justin Herbert had to make a good pass to receiver Mike Williams to escape being sacked. Hopkins, however, was set up for the 39-yard field goal, and he made it through the upright. Hopkins was listed as questionable to return in the second quarter due to a hamstring issue after missing last week's game with a quad ailment. But he persevered, making four field goals—from 37, 31, 35, and 39 yards—from that point on to the game's conclusion. At 13, L.A. tied the game. At the start of the fourth quarter, Denver faced a fourth-and-2 situation at the 29-yard line and, unsurprisingly, decided to go for it. The pass, however, failed to reach receiver DeAndre Carter because he was well protected. The Chargers regained possession of the ball with 10:41 remaining in the game, hoping to mount a winning drive. On the opening play, though, Herbert threw an interception deep within his own zone, which allowed Denver to take the lead. When the pass was tipped and intercepted by linebacker Baron Browning, Herbert was searching for tight end Gerald Everett across the middle. Denver retrieved the lost ball after Browning fumbled and gained an additional possession. Following a few plays, the team settled for a 48-yard field goal after quarterback Russell Wilson was sacked for a 4-yard loss on third-and-6. Russell Wilson, the team's quarterback, was sacked a few plays later on third-and-6 for a 4-yard loss, forcing the team to settle for a 48-yard field goal. The Chargers missed out on a chance to score a comeback point due to a holding call in the end zone. The score was tied at 16 after Hopkins' successful 35-yard field goal attempt. in the fourth quarter, with 3:58 remaining. The Broncos were denied the opportunity to extend a drive toward the end of regulation due to a costly protection mistake. With 2:39 remaining, linebacker Drue Tranquill came up the middle of the line unblocked and sacked Wilson for a 9-yard loss on third-and-6 from the Denver 43. With 1:51 remaining in the fourth quarter, the punt put the Chargers at their own 25-yard line, but they were unable to advance, forcing OT. The crucial error was committed by Washington after the teams exchanged punts a few times. According to Elias, Herbert completed 57 throws, which is the most in an NFL victory without a touchdown, via ESPN's Lindsey Thiry. Austin Ekeler, a running back, scored the lone touchdown for Los Angeles in the second quarter on a 6-yard rush. After scoring on each of their first two possessions, the Broncos held a 10-0 lead. To start the scoring, Brandon McManus made a field goal from 51 yards out. Then, on Dulcich's second career catch, rookie tight end Greg Dulcich and Wilson connected for a 39-yard touchdown. However, the Broncos were never able to mount another significant end zone threat. The Chargers' 9-yard line at the conclusion of the first half, when a McManus field goal went through the uprights to give Denver a 13-10 lead, was the closest the team came to scoring. The Broncos' closest point after the third quarter was the Chargers' 30-yard line. Wilson completed 15 of his final 28 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown while also gaining 23 rushing yards. The Broncos had -9 net passing yards in the second half and overtime thanks to his four sacks. Next Sunday, the 4-2 Chargers will meet the 3-3 Seahawks at home. The 4-2 Jets will visit Denver to play the 2-4 Broncos.
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