The Los Angeles Chargers delivered a heart-stopping finish against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, rallying in the fourth quarter to secure a 23-20 victory at SoFi Stadium. The win not only keeps the Chargers undefeated at 3-0 for the first time since 2002, but also deepens the Broncos’ woes after another crushing last-second loss.
Herbert’s Fourth-Quarter Magic
Chargers quarterback
Justin Herbert once again proved why he’s in the MVP conversation, orchestrating a dramatic comeback in the final minutes. Down by four points late in the fourth, Herbert connected with Keenan Allen for a game-tying touchdown, setting the stage for kicker Cameron Dicker to nail the walk-off field goal as time expired.
Herbert finished the game with over 300 passing yards and two touchdowns, showcasing poise under pressure and a knack for late-game heroics. Head coach Jim Harbaugh praised Herbert’s leadership, calling the win a “massive moral victory” for a team that’s now swept all three division rivals to start the season.
Broncos Collapse Again in Final Moments
For Denver, the loss was all too familiar. The Broncos have now dropped back-to-back games on last-second field goals, raising serious questions about their ability to close out tight contests. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix showed flashes of promise but struggled to maintain momentum in the second half, and the coaching staff faced criticism for conservative play-calling and clock management.
After the game, Broncos head coach Sean Payton urged his team to “keep fighting,” but frustration is mounting among fans and analysts as Denver falls to 1-2 in the AFC West.
Najee Harris Injury Casts Shadow Over Chargers’ Win
The Chargers’ celebration was tempered by a potentially devastating blow: running back
Najee Harris suffered a non-contact injury in the second quarter and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. Early reports suggest the injury could be season-ending, which would force Los Angeles to explore trade options or lean on rookie Omarion Hampton, who scored his first NFL touchdown in relief.
The loss of Harris, a key offseason acquisition, could reshape the Chargers’ offensive strategy moving forward and has already sparked speculation about possible replacements.
Key Takeaways and What’s Next
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Chargers are 3-0 for the first time in over two decades, sitting atop the AFC West after defeating all three division rivals.
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Justin Herbert is playing at an MVP level, with clutch performances and leadership that have energized the team.
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Broncos’ late-game struggles continue, with coaching decisions and execution under the microscope.
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Najee Harris’ injury could have major implications for the Chargers’ playoff hopes and trade market activity.
The Chargers will look to maintain their momentum in Week 4, while the Broncos face mounting pressure to turn their season around before it slips away.
Sources
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2. Los Angeles Chargers - Bleacher Report
3. 4 things we learned from the Broncos in loss to Chargers
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