INGLEWOOD– The woes continue for the Los Angeles Chargers, as their record dropped to (0-5) after a fatal 4th quarter against the Denver Broncos. Scoring 13 unanswered points, the Denver Broncos prevailed over the Chargers on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, 23-17 at SoFi Stadium.
Sadly, this season has been a nightmare for the Bolts.
Los Angeles Quarterback Justin Herbert failed to pick up a first down on a crucial fourth-and-1 try early in the fourth on their own 40-yard line, and the Broncos capitalized by tying the score at 17-all and dominating the rest of the way.
“It was the wrong decision,” Harbaugh said after the Chargers dropped to 0-5 for the first time since 2003. “Can’t think of a time when I’ve ever been more mad at myself.”
The failed fourth-down conversion sent the Chargers spiraling, with Herbert’s fumble and interception leaving them one of three winless teams in the league. He tied his career record with a turnover in five consecutive games.
Lutz’s go-ahead kick came with 5:07 remaining, and his 36-yarder with 1:08 left extended the lead for the Broncos (3-2), who had plenty of orange-clad fans in the stands cheering their first win at SoFi Stadium since 2023.
The Chargers came in with a decimated offensive line that featured four rookies trying to protect Herbert, who was 14 of 24 for 121 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception while getting sacked five times.
On the ensuing LA drive it fell apart when Herbert got sacked for an 8-yard loss at his 24-yard line by Zach Allen, who forced a fumble that was recovered by Que Robinson.
After Lutz’s go-ahead field goal, Herbert fumbled but recovered, then scrambled up the middle for a 12-yard gain before getting intercepted by Brandon Jones on fourth down.
The Chargers had time for one final gasp, but Herbert was sacked on the final play of regulation in Denver territory.
It’s going to be extremely challenging to earn the first win of the season. Next Sunday, the Chargers face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
