Chargers v. Broncos Showdown in SoFi: LA Prevails

Russell Wilson and the Broncos traveled to LA to face off against the Chargers for a Monday Night Football showdown that ended in overtime, 19-16 in favor of the home team. Both teams were evenly matched statistically, each had a turnover and between 250-300 yards, and both kickers were perfect the whole night.

Special Teams Comes Up Big

Justin Herbert broke his 26-game TD pass streak, so the special teams had to step up. Kicker Dustin Hopkins was the most important player on the field Monday night. After missing last week’s game against the Browns because of a quadricep injury, Hopkins returned and came up big.

The athletic trainer reported that Hopkins felt a pop after kicking his first field goal of the game, this time, a hamstring injury. Hopkins hung in there and kicked three more after, including the game-winner with just under three minutes left in overtime.

Also on special teams, cornerback Deane Leonard recovered a muffed punt at Denver’s own 28-yard line to set up Hopkins’ first overtime winning kick of his career.

Herbert ended the game 37-57 for 238 yards and his first interception in three games. The Chargers have now won three-straight and share the top spot of the AFC West with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Special teams came through BIG time for @AustinEkeler and the Chargers ⚡ pic.twitter.com/zgQNvr9TYs

— ESPN (@espn) October 18, 2022

Broncos Come up Short

The Denver Broncos came out to an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter but could not keep the momentum.

The Broncos have now lost two primetime games in a row. The last being Thursday night against the Colts at home in Denver, and now in Los Angeles versus the Chargers.

Broncos Kicker Brandon McManus was 3-3 on the night, while Wilson threw 15-28 and had a total of 188 yards, including a touchdown pass to wide receiver, Greg Dulcich.

The team finished with a total of 10 penalties for a season-high of 151 yards.

“We had some opportunities there, and we’ve got to execute at a higher level. We’ve got to come up with some better plays,” head coach Nathaniel Hackett said.