The Broncos were close to clinching their first playoff berth since 2015. With a win, they were in. The Broncos offense was humming the three first three drives as each one ended with a touchdown, while the Chargers sputtered a bit. The Broncos found themselves up 21-10, and the Chargers were looking for a score to close the half. With about 50 seconds left in the first half, Herbert threw an interception to Abrams-Draine, who returned the ball from the 1-yard line to the 18. Denver had 45 seconds left to score an FG to make it 24-10 at the half and get the ball to start the second half and break this game open. However, the offense couldn't get anything going and had to punt it back to LA. As Denver punted, time expired, so there were 0s on the clock while the ball was in the air. So, as soon as LA fields, the half was over. Unfortunately, the returner was interfered with, and the Chargers, with the penalty, were able to get the ball placed at the 47-yard line, and the Chargers elected for a free kick. A free kick is essentially where both teams line up like it is a kick-off, so Denver can't pressure the kicker, and a team is allowed to do that immediately after a fair catch. So the Chargers kicked the free kick and nailed it from 57 yards out as they successfully converted the first successful free kick since 1976. The score, instead of being 24-10 or 21-10 at the half, was 21-13, and that final play breathed new life into the Chargers, who were reeling a bit.
Denver lost this game because of 2 things. Defense and Penalties:
The defense couldn't generate pressure. Outside of the two sacks they got, Herbert was well-protected all day.
Defense gave up a 50% conversion rate on 3rd down, including a key 3rd and 10 on when the Chargers were deep in their territory, which eventually led to the game-sealing TD that put them up 34-24
The defense gave up 3 TDs in the second half out of 4 drives, not counting the last drive
The team as a whole committed seven penalties for 61 yards, and many of them came on defense in crucial situations
One was during a sack of Herbert, where his collar was pulled
One of the Chargers' scoring drives contained a plethora of offside penalties
As for the offense and Nix, they certainly could have done a lot more in the second half, but putting up 24 against a great defense, putting the team up 21-10 and 24-13 midway through the 3rd quarter, they did enough to win the game. Nix was solid, putting up 263 yards on 29/40 passing with 2 TDs and no interceptions. Like the rest of the team, he trailed off in the second half, but he did enough to win. Would I have liked to see him put the team on his back and make something happen when the game was getting away from us? Yes, absolutely, but this game overall was a step in the right direction after the last two games with multiple turnovers.
As for the defense, I can excuse the poor play from the defense because they have been good all year, but the penalties are inexcusable. You can't beat good teams if you continue to beat yourselves with silly mental errors.
With this loss, the Bengals game next week is paramount, assuming the Bengals beat the Browns on Sunday. The Bengals would be 7-8 and would be right on our heels if they beat us, which would put them at 8-8 and Denver at 9-7. That is a dangerous game that Denver can avoid if they take care of business next Saturday. Any win will get the Broncos into the playoffs. With the next two games possibly being must-win for Denver, we'll have a good idea if this team is ready for the big stage or not.
This team has a chance to punch their ticket to the postseason with a win over the Bengals. That sounds familiar.
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