The Denver Broncos suffered a 34-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, snapping their four-game winning streak and delaying their playoff aspirations. Despite a strong start and a commanding lead, the Broncos' offense faltered in the second half, ultimately costing them the game. Coach Sean Payton's decision to abandon the run game and a missed field goal by kicker Wil Lutz contributed to the defeat.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix walks back to the locker room after the Los Angeles Chargers beat the Denver Broncos 34-27 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Dec. 19, 2024. The Broncos are not yet playoff-bound for the first time since 2015. Their noses remain pressed up against the postseason window pane after a loss that was easier to hate than explain.
And so here we are: On to Cincinnati. The Broncos lost because of Dicker the Kicker and Hassan Haskins. The Chargers, despite trailing 21-10, despite giving up a touchdown on the Broncos’ first three possessions, were better. Bo Nix completed a pass to Javonte Williams. It went for minus-3 yards. That math should have told Payton to take off his headset and head to the locker room for a deep breath, water and a banana. Instead, he fell for the banana in the tailpipe. There is nothing more powerful than the male ego, and it got the best of Payton.
He drilled it. What in the name of Doug Flutie’s dropkick for the Patriots just happened? Harbaugh insisted this was a situation the Chargers practiced, and given he just won a national championship at Michigan, the tendency is to believe him. Suddenly, the Chargers had momentum that they had no right to own. And aside from the Broncos’ initial drive to steal back three points in the third quarter, the second half became a series of “you’ve got to be kidding me” moments. Denver produced 119 yards and six first downs in the second half, rushing for only 21 yards on eight carries after posting 89 in the first half. Spotty play-calling and too many penalties created a platform for Hebert to take over.
The Broncos, because the NFL demands one-score games, had an opportunity to tie the game, but fizzled at midfield with 9:48 remaining. They punted. That made sense. But unlike so many times this season, the defense could not save them.Renck: Difference between Bad Bo and The Bo Show is real. Broncos QB must learn how to have short memory in NFL.Renck vs. Keeler debate: Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders put CU Buffs back on the map.
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