In the first game from ROKiT Field at StubHub Center since Week 5, the Chargers fell 23-22 Sunday to the Denver Broncos.
Broncos kicker Brandon McManus made a 34-yard field goal as time expired to end the Chargers' six-game winning streak.
Running back Melvin Gordon totaled 156 yards – his sixth-straight game with at least 120 yards from scrimmage. Quarterback Philip Rivers finished 28-of-43 for 401 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Rivers has thrown at least two touchdowns in every game this season. It wasn't enough, though, to overcome two turnovers and 14 penalties.
Defensive end Joey Bosa added a quarterback hit and a tackle in his 2018 debut.
After forcing a three-and-out to start the game, the Chargers' offense put together a 13-play, 49-yard drive that included a pair of third-down catches by wide receiver Keenan Allen. Michael Badgley's 46-yard field goal gave Los Angeles an early 3-0 lead.
The Bolts' defense forced another fourth down when Bosa chased down quarterback Case Keenum, causing him to throw an incomplete pass while running out of bounds. Denver held the ball for just 4:09 of the opening quarter.
Rivers connected with five different receivers for 121 yards in the first quarter, but the Chargers committed seven penalties for 50 yards. They led 6-0 after Badgley's second field goal of the day – this one from 45-yards out.
The Broncos took the lead when undrafted rookie running back Phillip Lindsay raced 41 yards for the team's first score of the day. The touchdown was aided by a fake punt that kept Denver's drive alive.
Down a point with the Broncos again on the move, Los Angeles' red zone defense buckled down just like it has the last two weeks. Facing a fourth-and-one on their 16-yard line, the Chargers stuffed Lindsay for no gain to take over on downs. That's when momentum swung back to the Bolts.
Gordon reset the tone with an effort-laced 32-yard catch-and-run packed with broken tackles that gave Los Angeles the ball at Denver's 39-yard line. Two plays later, Rivers hit wide receiver Mike Williams for a 29-yard reception. Allen capped off the nine-play, 81-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown reception – his second in as many weeks. Los Angeles lead 13-7 at halftime.
The Chargers added to their lead to start the second half with a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended with Rivers to tight end Antonio Gates for a six-yard touchdown reception. Badgley's extra point was no good. It was his first missed kick of the season.
The Broncos responded with 13 unanswered points. Their first score was set up by a Von Miller interception and a 42-yard return to the Chargers' 18-yard line. A three-yard Royce Freeman touchdown cut Los Angeles' lead to 19-14.
Denver's second score of the half was set up by a 39-yard catch-and-run by rookie wide receiver Courtland Sutton. A two-yard touchdown rush by Lindsay gave the Broncos a 20-19 lead after their two-point conversion failed.
On its next possession, Los Angeles regained the lead 22-20 with an eight-play, 60-yard drive ending in a 30-yard Badgley field goal. The next score of the game would be McManus' game winner.
UP NEXT
The Chargers will host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12. Kickoff from ROKiT Field at StubHub Center is on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 1:05 p.m. Pacific (Fox).
