Justin Herbert’s clutch drive and Cameron Dicker’s last-second field goal sealed a 23-20 win over Denver, pushing the Chargers to their first 3-0 start since 2002
Los Angeles ChargersCredit: Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are off to their best start since 2002. Sunday, Justin Herbert led a game-winning drive that set up kicker Cameron Dicker to nail a 43-yard field goal as regulation expired, giving the Chargers a 23-20 win over the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium. The victory propelled the Chargers to a 3-0 record.
Herbert slung the ball for 300 yards on 28 of 47 passing, throwing one touchdown and one interception. The biggest play of the game was Herbert’s connection with Keenan Allen late in the fourth quarter, completing a 20-yard touchdown to tie the game just before the two-minute warning. “We’ve got a bunch of playmakers out there and just enough time to get the ball off. Guys had complete faith in each other the entire time,” Herbert told ESPN.
Denver played well and controlled stretches of the game. Quarterback Bo Nix completed a 52-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton just before halftime, and JK Dobbins rushed the ball well to help them to a 20-13 lead in the third quarter. Los Angeles was able to stay within reach, helped by rookie running back Omarion Hampton’s first-half touchdown.
The Chargers didn’t just complete a fourth-quarter comeback, but they sustained some injuries. Running back Bo Nix exited the game in the second quarter with a torn Achilles, pending MRI results to confirm the season-ending injury. Offensive lineman Mekhi Becton also left the game with a concussion (CBS).
Despite the injuries and setbacks, the Chargers found a way to win the football game. Dicker’s game-winning field goal finalized the Chargers’ sweep over their AFC West rivals.