Sunday, November 1, 2020

Chargers blow 21-point lead and lose when Broncos score on final play

  • KJ Hamler #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at the end of the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams is stopped short of the goal line by Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

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  • Los Angeles Chargers running back Troymaine Pope (35) is tackled by Denver Broncos inside linebacker A.J. Johnson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Jake Rodgers #69 of the Denver Broncos and Linval Joseph #95 of the Los Angeles Chargers get aggressive after KJ Hamler #13 (not pictured) of the Denver Broncos scored a game-tying touchdown in the fourth qurater at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Denver Broncos strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) celebrates his interception in the end zone against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) pulls in a touchdown pass as Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • KJ Hamler #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammate Jerry Jeudy #10 after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at the end of the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Los Angeles Chargers running back Justin Jackson (22) stiff-arms Denver Broncos linebacker Anthony Chickillo (91) while running with the football during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov.. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)

  • Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is hit by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell (47) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • KJ Hamler #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammate Jerry Jeudy #10 after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at the end of the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • DaeSean Hamilton #17 of the Denver Broncos celebrates his touchdown with teammates Jerry Jeudy #10 and KJ Hamler #13 as they take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov.. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)

  • Los Angeles Chargers strong safety Rayshawn Jenkins, top, is tackled by Denver Broncos wide receiver K.J. Hamler (13) after Jenkins intercepted a pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Los Angeles Chargers running back Troymaine Pope (35) is hit by Denver Broncos strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Denver Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan (29) celebrates his interception in the end zone against the Los Angeles Chargers with strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • KJ Hamler #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammates Albert Okwuegbunam #85 and Garett Balles #72 after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at the end of the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos with Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov.. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)

  • Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) pulls in a touchdown pass as Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Gabe Nabers #40 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his touchdown with teammate Hunter Henry #86 against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • KJ Hamler #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at the end of the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) runs with the football away from Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Isaac Rochell (98) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov.. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)

  • Mike Williams #81 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his touchdown with teammate Justin Herbert #10 against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) pulls in a touchdown pass as Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Malik Reed #59 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joe Reed (12) is pursued by Denver Broncos linebacker Joe Jones (43) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (30) breaks free for a touchdown as Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Michael Davis (43) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Denver Broncos strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) celebrates a defensives to against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass against Dre’Mont Jones #93 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (97) against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) scores a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws as Denver Broncos linebacker Malik Reed (59) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Denver Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan (29) breaks up a pass intended for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) as strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Melvin Ingram (54) chases down Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) pulls in a touchdown pass as Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) and Denver Broncos offensive tackle Calvin Anderson (76) are seperated by the referees during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Los Angeles Chargers running back Troymaine Pope (35) walks on the sidelines after being injured against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Gabe Nabers #40 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his touchdown with teammate quarterback Justin Herbert #10 against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Gabe Nabers #40 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his touchdown with teammate Hunter Henry #86 against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Justin Jackson #22 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Anthony Chickillo #91 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Malik Reed #59 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game as Denver Broncos defensive end DeShawn Williams (90) pursues, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) runs back an interception against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos runs out of the pocket against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Malik Reed #59 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) runs back an interception against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

  • Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn watches his team prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

  • Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Joshua Kelley #27 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Kareem Jackson #22 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

  • Brandon McManus #8 of the Denver Broncos kicks a field goal against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

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Referring to the Denver Broncos as Justin Herbert’s toughest challenge might sound strange without context. The Chargers’ rookie quarterback had already faced the Buccaneers’ vaunted defense, played a prime-time game in New Orleans and battled the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs in his debut.

But Sunday in Denver was Herbert’s toughest challenge because the Chargers needed this game badly. They entered Empower Field at Mile High with a seven-game losing streak against AFC West opponents.

Adding to the big-game feel, Herbert’s father, Mark, was in attendance to watch his son play in an NFL game for the first time in person.

Herbert delivered by helping the Chargers build a 24-3 advantage, but a Broncos rally had him on the sideline as quarterback Drew Lock operated a game-winning drive. Lock connected with K.J. Hamler for a 1-yard touchdown pass with zeros on the clock. The Chargers fell 31-30 and extended their AFC West skid to eight games.

The Chargers lost their third game of the season when leading by at least 17 points. They’re 3-14 in one-score games dating back to last season.

The Broncos made it interesting when running back Phillip Lindsay galloped for a 55-yard touchdown to trim the Chargers’ lead to 24-10 with 6:05 left in the third quarter. The Broncos made it a seven-point deficit after Lock found tight end Albert Okwuegbunam in the end zone with 11:42 left in regulation.

The Chargers scored 24 consecutive points after allowing a Broncos field goal in the first quarter. Herbert and the Chargers didn’t let up on the opening drive of the second half, which ended with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams for a 21-3 advantage.

Chargers kicker Michael Badgley returned to form with three made field goals, including a 33-yard field goal to increase the lead 30-24 with 2:30 left in regulation.

Herbert and the Chargers’ offense broke out of their funk during a nine-play, 80-yard touchdown drive toward the end of the first half. Herbert connected with Keenan Allen on a 9-yard touchdown pass and had a 34-yard pass to running back Justin Jackson to ignite the team’s first scoring drive.

The Chargers scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the first half. Hebert threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to rookie fullback Gabe Nabers with 15 seconds left before halftime. The Chargers went into the locker room with a 14-3 advantage after Naber’s first career score.

Herbert continued his trend of getting many players involved. Wide receivers Jalen Guyton, Tyron Johnson and tight end Donald Parham Jr. also recorded their first career touchdowns from a Hebert pass.

The Chargers’ defense held the Broncos’ rushing attack to 2 yards in the first half and 60 yards total. The Broncos had five punts at halftime.

Herbert’s two-game streak without a turnover ended in the first quarter after Justin Simmons jumped a pass intended for Guyton. Simmons returned it for 46 yards and put the ball on the Chargers’ 16-yard line. But the Broncos were forced to settle for a 35-yard field goal from Brandon McManus to take a 3-0 lead.

The Chargers’ first productive drive of the game had them inside Denver’s 25-yard line, but it ended without points because rookie running back Joshua Kelley was stuffed on a fourth-and-1 run. The Chargers only managed 13 yards on their first two drives.

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