The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos 23-16 on Sunday, capitalizing on the absence of superstar cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
Surtain left the game after the first defensive play with a concussion, and Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert directed a methodical offense that built a 23-0 lead after three quarters.
“We’ve got a lot of respect for him as a defender, but it’s about us,” Herbert said. “As long as we’re executing, I think we’re going to like the result.”
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, who missed the start of the game due to an irregular heartbeat, returned to the sideline in the first quarter and coached the remainder of the game.
Denver didn’t blitz as much without Surtain, and the Chargers took advantage. Herbert set season highs in completions (21) and yards (237).
The Broncos’ offense came to life in the fourth quarter with quarterback Bo Nix directing a 95-yard scoring drive.
The game featured two of the league’s top defenses, but Surtain’s concussion changed the calculation.
“It was very unfortunate because he’s not just a huge part of the defense, but the team,” Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton said.
The Chargers’ win snapped a two-game losing streak against Denver and marked their first victory against Sean Payton in seven tries.
Injuries:
- Chargers: G/T Trey Pickens (shoulder), TE Hayden Hurst (groin), DB Deane Leonard (hamstring), CB Kristian Fulton (hamstring)
- Broncos: RT Alex Palczewski (ankle) was inactive
Up next:
- Chargers: Visit Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Oct. 21
- Broncos: Visit New Orleans Saints on Thursday night
Other NFL scores:
Thursday, 10/10
San Francisco 36, Seattle 24
Sunday, 10/13
Chicago 35, Jacksonville 16
Tampa Bay 51, New Orleans 27
Baltimore 30, Washington 23
Green Bay 34, Arizona 13
Indianapolis 20, Tennessee 17
Houston 41, New England 21
Philadelphia 20, Cleveland 16
LA Chargers 23, Denver 16
Pittsburgh 32, Las Vegas 13
Atlanta 38, Carolina 20
Detroit 47, Dallas 9
Cincinnati 17, NY Giants 7
Monday, 10/14
Buffalo 23, NY Jets 20