INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 10: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
The Denver Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 24-7 to improve to 7-6 and keep their playoff hopes alive. Below is the recap and postgame interviews.
The Chargers started the game with the ball at their own 25 yard line. After a couple of carries by Austin Ekeler to give the Chargers their first 1st down of the game, the Broncos defense was able to get a big sack on 3rd down by Alex Singleton to force a punt.
From their own nine yard Russell Wilson threw an out pattern to Marvin Mims but he was unable to haul it in and it ended up being an interception, upon review, setting the Chargers up at the Broncos 13 yard line. Los Angeles decided to go for it from the six yard line on 4th down but the pass to Gerald Everett fell incomplete with great coverage by PJ Locke in the end zone.
So, from their own 6 yard line the Broncos avoided giving up points but were now deep in their own territory. Javonte Williams got a big gain of 13 yards on first down to get the drive started and the Broncos put together a nice mix and run/pass as they moved into Chargers territory. Unfortunately, on 3rd and 5, Russell Wilson's pass to Jaleel McLaughlin feel incomplete and the Broncos were forced to punt.
The good news is, a few plays later, Baron Browning tipped a Justin Herbert pass at the line and Jonathon Cooper came down with a HUGE interception setting the Broncos up at the Chargers 3 yard line. One play later, Javonte Williams got his first rushing touchdown of the season and the Broncos jumped out to a 7-0 lead.
The Chargers started their next drive from their own 25 yard line but, once again, the Broncos defense came up with another big play as Ja'Quan McMillian came on a corner blitz and sacked Justin Herbert, putting Los Angeles in 3rd and 15 and eventually a punt.
Denver started their next drive from their own 15 yard line and were able to get a 1st down before the drive stalled at their own 31 yard line after six plays. Riley Dixon, back out to punt, pinned the Chargers at their own 13 yard line for their next drive of the game. The Broncos defense, once again, were able to get to Justin Herbert on 3rd and 10 and Alex Singleton/Zach Allen were able to get the defense's third sack of the game.
After an EIGHTY-THREE yard punt, the Broncos were set up at their own 20 yard line. Javonte Williams was able to work up field for 14 yard on a 1st down screen to get the drive off to a good start. The drive, unfortunately, stalled at the Denver 49 yard line after Russell Wilson was sacked by Eric Kendricks on 3rd down. After a 41 yard punt, the Chargers would begin their next drive starting at their own 18 yard line.
Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense were able to gain some momentum with check down passes to Austin Ekeler as they moved into Denver territory but, once again, Los Angeles decided to go for it on 4th and 2 but the ball fell incomplete and the Broncos took over from their own 30 yard line with 1:28 remaining in the 1st half.
Russell Wilson, completing passes to Samaje Perine, moved the offense into Chargers territory and then Lucas Krull, with his first catch in the NFL, was wide open for a 35 yard catch and run (including a facemask) setting the Denver up at the Chargers 5 yard line. It appeared that Jerry Jeudy scored the Broncos 2nd touchdown but he wasn't able to get his 2nd foot down. Denver settled for a short field goal, extending their lead 10-0 before halftime.
The Broncos started the 2nd half but, as has often been the case this season, quickly went 3 and out and gave the ball back to LA. Justin Herbert was ruled out for the game so Easton Stick started the 2nd half and executed a quick drive into Denver territory. On 4th and 1 at the Broncos 40 yard line, the Denver defense tackled Joshua Kelley in the backfield for ANOTHER turnover on downs, the 3rd of the day.
Russell Wilson capitalized on the change of momentum and, on 1st and 10 from the LA 46 yard line, hit Courtland Sutton for a 46 yard touchdown pass extending the lead 17-0 with 5:55 remaining in the 3rd quarter.
Both teams exchanged punts as the Broncos offense played smart to protect their lead and the Chargers struggled to move the ball without Justin Herbert in the game. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the Chargers started to put together a drive with quick completions to Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen but, once again, a 4th down attempt fell incomplete and the Broncos got the ball back at midfield.
The Broncos quickly went 3 and out and punted it back to the Chargers, who would start their next drive from their own 6 yard line with 12:21 remaining in the game. Easton Stick finally got the deep passing game going as he hit rookie WR Quinton Johnston down the left sideline for a 58 yard catch. A few plays later, Austin Ekeler punched it in from 3 yards out and the Chargers cut into the Broncos lead 17-7.
The Denver offense desperately needed a drive that ate up some time and that's exactly what they got. The Broncos converted FOUR third downs on route to a 10 yard touchdown pass to a wide open Adam Trautman to extend the Broncos lead 24-7 with 3:11 remaining.
The Broncos defense would tack on two strip sacks, one by PJ Locke that was recovered by Josey Jewell, and the Broncos would beat the Chargers 24-7!
The next broadcast is on Saturday, December 16 with the Broncos traveling to Detroit to face the Lions. Our coverage begins at 12pm MTN.
Below is postgame interviews with Sean Payton, Russell Wilson, Courtland Sutton, Justin Simmons and Jonathon Cooper.