Instant analysis of Chargers’ 31-30 loss to Broncos

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down the loss to the Broncos in Week 8.

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The Chargers looked strong in the beginning, but they lost in typical fashion to the Broncos on Sunday, falling by the score of 31-30.

Here is our instant analysis from Los Angeles’ Week 8 loss:

Injury Report

Edge defender Joey Bosa and running back Troymaine Pope both left the game to be evaluated for concussions. They did not return and their statuses remain unknown.

Play of the Game:  Mike Williams’ touchdown

Quarterback Justin Herbert had a few beautiful passes throughout the course of the day, but this throw to Williams in the end zone was his best.

Notable Number

4: Justin Herbert joins Texans QB Deshaun Watson as the only rookies in NFL history with three passing touchdowns in 4 consecutive games.

Quick Takes

Justin Herbert had a slow start but came to life before the half where he engineered 14 points and another seven out of the tunnel. But after that, it all went downhill. Herbert finished 29-of-43 passing for 278 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Herbert connected with eight different targets. Keenan Allen continued to be his security blanket in crucial moments. Allen finished with nine catches for 67 yards and a touchdown. Mike Williams continues to gain Herbert’s trust as the primary deep target. Williams had 99 yards and a score on five receptions.

Coach Anthony Lynn put a big emphasis on finding a consistent running game, and the group delivered. Led by RBs Justin Jackson and Troymaine Pope, the unit combined for 210 yards on 38 carries.

Once again, the defense started out hot. In the first half, the Broncos amassed only 60 yards, which was put together by generating constant pressure on QB Drew Lock and swallowing up RBs Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay.

However, things took a turn near the midway point of the third quarter. Denver’s ground game found success due to the defensive line’s lack of push and missed tackles, and Lock was finding soft spots in coverage, which ultimately led to their 21-point comeback.

The secondary started to look depleted, which is largely due to the lack of depth with the injuries. But it makes you wonder if benching CB Desmond King was the right call. Brandon Facyson was the one who had the defensive pass interference call which put the Broncos in a position to seal the deal.

The entire coaching staff deserves to be questioned. If the Chargers had blown one or two double-digit leads, then it’s understanding to blame it primarily on the players. But it has been four in a row. They are the first team in NFL history to blow four leads of 16 points or more in four straight games.

Up Next

The Chargers return home for another AFC West battle against the Raiders next Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2:05 p.m. PT.