The Los Angeles Chargers prevail against the Denver Broncos and increase their playoff chances in the game against the AFC West

The Los Angeles Chargers prevail against the Denver Broncos and increase their playoff chances in the game against the AFC West



CNN

The Los Angeles Chargers scored three touchdowns in the second half to overcome a double-digit deficit and defeat their AFC West rival, the Denver Broncos, 34-27 on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

According to NFL.com, with the win, the Chargers increased their odds of a playoff spot to 97%. Los Angeles can secure a ticket to the postseason if both the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts lose on Sunday.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 23 of 31 throws for 284 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, while running back Gus Edwards added 68 yards on the ground and two touchdowns in the win.

“Just a total team effort from everyone: defense, offense, special teams,” Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game. “The test and challenge is how you will respond. They got back to work and stayed on track.”

After trailing 21-10 in the second quarter, the Chargers began their comeback with something that hadn’t happened in 48 years.

Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made a 57-yard fair-catch field goal with no time left in the first half and went into halftime trailing 21-13.

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker converts a field goal in the first half.

According to the NFL, after the competing team interferes with a receiver who is signaling for a fair catch, the offending team has the option to extend the time period by attempting a fair catch kick or a snap from scrimmage Fang has given after all applicable penalties have been imposed.

On the previous play, Chargers punt returner Derius Davis was interfered with after calling a fair catch, resulting in a 15-yard fair catch interference penalty. LA then opted for a free kick field goal.

“That’s my favorite rule in football. I just tried to get one of these every game. It’s the first rule we made. We tried the 49ers. I think it was like a 70-yarder or something… It’s my favorite rule and Cam Dicker did it and I thought that was a huge, good swing. I got the momentum back at halftime.”

The Chargers continued to pull ahead in the second half. After the Broncos scored a field goal, Herbert and the Chargers’ offense responded with a 10-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a five-yard touchdown run by Edwards to cut the deficit to 24-19 after the game successful conversion into an extra point.

Los Angeles took the lead early in the fourth quarter after Herbert threw his first touchdown of the game and hit Davis with a 19-yard touchdown pass to give the Chargers a 27-24 lead.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards and quarterback Justin Herbert celebrate after the game.

With just under two and a half minutes left in the game, Herbert completed a 34-yard touchdown pass from Herbert to Hassan Haskins, extending the Chargers’ lead to 34-24 while Los Angeles was able to defend the victory.

The loss dropped Denver’s chances of making the playoffs to 85%, and the Broncos will face some tough matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) and Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) to close out the regular season have each other.

“Obviously a disappointing loss,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said after the game. “It was disappointing because there was a lot at stake and we knew we had a fast start. That encouraged me, and then, which is unusual for this season, we didn’t finish or play nearly well enough at halftime either offensively or defensively.”

“We credit Los Angeles for fighting back, and in the end we didn’t make enough plays.”

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