Drew Lock leads Broncos past Chargers 23-20 in first NFL start

The Broncos played the Chargers in Week 13 of the 2019 NFL season. View the game recap here.

Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock had an overall positive performance in his NFL debut against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, completing 18 of his 28 passes for 134 yards with two touchdowns and one turnover.

Both of Lock’s touchdown passes were thrown to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who finished the game with four catches for 74 yards and two scores. Sutton is enjoying a Pro Bowl-level season.

With the game tied 17-17 early in the fourth quarterback, Lock made a crucial mistake, throwing an interception to Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman. That turnover gave Los Angeles the ball at Denver’s 38-yard line and set up a 55-yard field goal attempt.

Fortunately for Lock, Chargers kicker Michael Badgley hit the left upright on his field goal attempt and the game remained tied 17-17.

Lock then got Denver’s offense into position for kicker Brandon McManus to attempt a 52-yard field goal. McManus converted the field goal and the Broncos took a 20-17 lead with 4:26 remaining in the game.

L.A. then proceeded to drive within field goal range and got to the Broncos’ 29-yard line to attempt a 46-yard field goal. Badgley converted the kick and tied the game 20-20 with 0:14 remaining in the game.

With nine seconds remaining in the contest, Lock attempted a deep pass to Sutton and the Chargers were penalized for pass interference, setting up Denver at the 35-yard line. McManus then converted a 53-yard field goal to win the game 23-20.

Up next for the Broncos is a road game against the Houston Texans in Week 14. Houston will face the New England Patriots on Sunday evening.

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