As the visiting team, the Denver Broncos were allowed to announce the first coin toss. They called tails and it was tails as they stopped in the second half to bring in Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers to start the game.

The Chargers let it go three times in a row and got there pretty quickly in the end. That gave Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense their first drive while fans were still streaming into the stadium – LA traffic feeling in the stands early.

On the first play, rookie Audric Estime broke through for a six-yard gain on first down, and then Javonte Williams came in to gain first down for a six-yard gain of his own. After a short run and a short pass, WIlliams got the ball again, this time on third-and-2, and broke through to a huge hole for a 15-yard gain.

Then, under pressure, Nix threw the ball to Nate Adkins, who gave him another nice lead into field goal range. Rookie Blake Watson got his first carry up the middle for a seven-yard gain and another first down just outside the Chargers’ 10-yard line.

After a false start penalty, a nice screen pass was set up for Watson, who was able to get 13 out of the play to make the second down attempt easier. He was hit in the helmet while making a tackle to give Denver its first hit and goal. From there, Estime would score the first score of the game.

Broncos 7, Chargers 0.

The Broncos’ defense seemed to catch a break with the early score when the Chargers’ rushing attack began to set them on fire. It only took a few plays for them to reach the edge of the field goal.

Justin Fields then fired a bullet down the field for a 24-yard gain for a first score inside the five-yard line. Gus Edwards would score two plays later to end the game.

Broncos 7, Chargers 7.

On their next drive, the Broncos tried to throw it, but there was nothing there, so Nix threw it off for a short two-yard gain. The second shot went into the dirt, resulting in an incompletion for what had been the fastest third and longest throw of the game up to that point. Nix attempted to shoot the shotgun after being pressured and jumped past the first-down mark.

The first quarter ended with the Broncos playing at midfield and near the goal area.