Trailing 21-13 at halftime Thursday night against the Denver Broncos, some wondered if the Los Angeles Chargers had any resolve left after going through their worst four-quarter stretch of the season. The Chargers put some doubts to rest getting back on track and getting closer to wrapping up a playoff spot.
Justin Herbert passed for 284 yards and two touchdowns, including a go-ahead 19-yarder to Derius Davis early in the fourth quarter, as the Chargers rallied for a 34-27 victory. Los Angeles (9-6) have a 97% probability of making the playoffs with the win according to the NFL. They can wrap up their second postseason berth in three seasons Sunday with losses by Indianapolis and Miami.
“It was a total team effort by everyone. It was phenomenal,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “The test and challenge is how you are going to respond. They went back to work and stayed the course.”. The Chargers’ comeback also included Cameron Dicker making the first successful fair-catch kick in the NFL in 48 years. He was good from 57 yards on the final play of the first half to pull the Chargers to 21-13.
Cameron Dicker makes the first free kick field goal since 1976! 🤯#TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/sSwcJL5Gt9. Denver (9-6) could have clinched a playoff spot but had their four-game winning streak snapped. The Broncos still have an 85% chance of making it, but they have tough remaining tests at Cincinnati on 28 December and at home against Kansas City in Week 18.
“Obviously, a disappointing loss. There was a lot at stake, and we know that,” Denver coach Sean Payton said. “We had a fast start, and then uncharacteristically this season, we didn’t finish or play nearly well enough in the second half, both offensively and defensively.”.
