Instant analysis of Chargers’ 19-16 victory over Broncos

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down Los Angeles’ Week 16 victory over Denver.

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It wouldn’t be a Chargers game if it didn’t come down to the final moments. That’s what happened in Week 16 against the Broncos, but Los Angeles prevailed for the third-straight week.

Here is my instant analysis from L.A.’s 19-16 victory over Denver.

Injury Report

Cornerback Casey Hayward sustained a hamstring injury and did not return. Safety Rayshawn Jenkins suffered an ankle injury and did not return. Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga had a foot injury and did not return.

Play of the Game: Justin Herbert sets rookie passing touchdown record

Herbert only needed one to set the rookie passing touchdown record, which was held by Browns’ Baker Mayfield. He did that in the second quarter when he connected with running back Austin Ekeler.

Notable Number

28: Justin Herbert is the first rookie quarterback to throw 28 touchdowns in a single season. He also became the fourth player to throw for over 4,000 yards as a rookie, joining Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston.

Quick Takes

Herbert wrote his name in the history books and led the Chargers to their third consecutive game-winning drive. But his overall performance was just decent, to say the least. The rookie finished 21-of-33 passing for 253 yards, a touchdown and four carries for 26 yards. Herbert didn’t have many opportunities to push the ball down the field because of the play-calling and the Broncos’ pass rush did a nice job of putting pressure on him.

The running game was uneven. If it wasn’t for Austin Ekeler’s long gain of 23 yards near the end of the game, the outcome would’ve been less promising. Ekeler only had 45 yards. Kalen Ballage only had 14 yards and Justin Jackson only had four yards. Despite the fact that it wasn’t working, the offense still resorted to it on early downs, putting Herbert in unfavorable situations.

While wide receiver Keenan Allen was out with a hamstring injury, there wasn’t a clear cut receiving leader. WR Mike Williams had four catches for 54 yards. With tight end Hunter Henry out after being placed on the COVID-19 list, Stephen Anderson and Donald Parham combined for 95 yards. After breakout performances, Jalen Guyton and Tyron Johnson were fairly quiet, going for 43 yards and 26 yards, respectively.

The absences of edge defenders Joey Bosa and Uchenna Nwosu was evident, as the team didn’t manage to hit quarterback Drew Lock until the third quarter by defensive tackle Damion Square. Before the game, I mentioned it as a reason to be concerned and Lock took advantage of his opportunities.

Slowing the run was also mentioned as a reason to be concerned prior to the game. While they only allowed a one-yard rushing touchdown to Lock, the Broncos still ran for 133 yards on 28 carries (4.8 yards per carry). Los Angeles needs to address the defensive line this offseason because guys up front are getting blown off the ball.

The outcome of the game would’ve been different if these series of events occurred: Lock didn’t throw the interception in the red zone in the first quarter. Kicker Brandon McManus didn’t miss his field goal from 37 yards out moments later. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy didn’t have so many drops, including the one in the final seconds that would’ve likely ensued the game.

The Chargers won but there were still many questionable moments from a game management and play-calling perspective, which was another thing I mentioned as a reason to be concerned. Los Angeles blew a 21-point lead in Week 8 and eight weeks later, they almost blew another double-digit lead. This has happened far too often and it’s hard to believe that it will be fixed with Lynn running the team.

Up Next

The Chargers’ 2020 season concludes on the road next Sunday, as they face the Chiefs on Jan. 3 at 10:00 a.m. PT.