Chargers blow 21-point lead and lose when Broncos score on final play - OCRegister

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• KJ Hamler #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at the end of the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams is stopped short of the goal line by Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

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• Los Angeles Chargers running back Troymaine Pope (35) is tackled by Denver Broncos inside linebacker A.J. Johnson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Jake Rodgers #69 of the Denver Broncos and Linval Joseph #95 of the Los Angeles Chargers get aggressive after KJ Hamler #13 (not pictured) of the Denver Broncos scored a game-tying touchdown in the fourth qurater at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Denver Broncos strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) celebrates his interception in the end zone against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) pulls in a touchdown pass as Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• KJ Hamler #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammate Jerry Jeudy #10 after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at the end of the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Chargers running back Justin Jackson (22) stiff-arms Denver Broncos linebacker Anthony Chickillo (91) while running with the football during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov.. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)

• Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is hit by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell (47) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• KJ Hamler #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammate Jerry Jeudy #10 after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at the end of the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• DaeSean Hamilton #17 of the Denver Broncos celebrates his touchdown with teammates Jerry Jeudy #10 and KJ Hamler #13 as they take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov.. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)

• Los Angeles Chargers strong safety Rayshawn Jenkins, top, is tackled by Denver Broncos wide receiver K.J. Hamler (13) after Jenkins intercepted a pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Los Angeles Chargers running back Troymaine Pope (35) is hit by Denver Broncos strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Denver Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan (29) celebrates his interception in the end zone against the Los Angeles Chargers with strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• KJ Hamler #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammates Albert Okwuegbunam #85 and Garett Balles #72 after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at the end of the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos with Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov.. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)

• Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) pulls in a touchdown pass as Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Gabe Nabers #40 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his touchdown with teammate Hunter Henry #86 against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• KJ Hamler #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at the end of the fourth quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos won 31-30. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) runs with the football away from Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Isaac Rochell (98) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov.. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)

• Mike Williams #81 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his touchdown with teammate Justin Herbert #10 against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) pulls in a touchdown pass as Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Malik Reed #59 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joe Reed (12) is pursued by Denver Broncos linebacker Joe Jones (43) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (30) breaks free for a touchdown as Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Michael Davis (43) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Denver Broncos strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) celebrates a defensives to against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass against Dre’Mont Jones #93 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (97) against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) scores a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws as Denver Broncos linebacker Malik Reed (59) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Denver Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan (29) breaks up a pass intended for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) as strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Melvin Ingram (54) chases down Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) pulls in a touchdown pass as Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) and Denver Broncos offensive tackle Calvin Anderson (76) are seperated by the referees during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Los Angeles Chargers running back Troymaine Pope (35) walks on the sidelines after being injured against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Gabe Nabers #40 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his touchdown with teammate quarterback Justin Herbert #10 against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Gabe Nabers #40 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his touchdown with teammate Hunter Henry #86 against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Justin Jackson #22 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Anthony Chickillo #91 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Malik Reed #59 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game as Denver Broncos defensive end DeShawn Williams (90) pursues, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) runs back an interception against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos runs out of the pocket against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Malik Reed #59 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) runs back an interception against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

• Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn watches his team prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

• Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Joshua Kelley #27 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Kareem Jackson #22 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

• Brandon McManus #8 of the Denver Broncos kicks a field goal against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Referring to the Denver Broncos as Justin Herbert’s toughest challenge might sound strange without context. The Chargers’ rookie quarterback had already faced the Buccaneers’ vaunted defense, played a prime-time game in New Orleans and battled the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs in his debut.

But Sunday in Denver was Herbert’s toughest challenge because the Chargers needed this game badly. They entered Empower Field at Mile High with a seven-game losing streak against AFC West opponents.

The difficulty level increased when a familiar obstacle arrived in the fourth quarter. The Chargers were clinging to a double-digit lead, losing grip with each passing minute in a game that was in their control entering the final quarter.

Herbert helped the Chargers build a 24-3 advantage, but a Broncos rally had him on the sideline as quarterback Drew Lock operated a game-winning drive. The Chargers inexplicably lost 31-30 and somehow topped their other heart-breaking losses this season.

“I wish I knew the answers,” Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen said about the latest blown lead.

The Chargers (2-5) haven’t defeated a division rival since the 2018 regular-season finale, but that losing streak was an afterthought Sunday. The focus was on the lost 21-point advantage.

The Chargers became the first team in NFL history to blow leads of 16 points or more in four consecutive games. Not even the Atlanta Falcons know that type of pain. The Chargers dropped to 3-14 in one-score games dating back to the start of last season.

“I’m sorry,” Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said to fans who have endured many blown leads under his watch. “I feel bad. That game today we had it completely under control, and the way we lost that game today that is unacceptable and I take full responsibility for that.”

The Chargers let their final finger slip from the game after Lock connected with wide receiver K.J. Hamler for a 1-yard touchdown pass with zeros on the clock. Even the game-winning extra-point featured Chargers chaos with an illegal formation penalty.

With a six-point deficit and 2:24 left in regulation, Lock led the Broncos on the 81-yard drive and had help from former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, who converted a key first down at the Chargers’ 24-yard line.

The Chargers’ defense, which has struggled in crunch time this season, nearly had a stop when Lock had an incomplete pass on fourth down, but cornerback Brandon Facyson was called for a questionable pass interference. Lock found Hamler on the following play.

Lynn settled for a 33-yard Michael Badgley field goal before the Broncos completed the rally. The Broncos had three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and trailed 24-10 with less than 12 minutes left in regulation.

“To not make the plays in the fourth quarter to finish the game is very disappointing, very frustrating,” Lynn said.

The Chargers lost their third game of the season when leading by at least 17 points. In four of their five losses this season, the Chargers held double-digit leads.

The Broncos made it interesting when running back Phillip Lindsay galloped for a 55-yard touchdown to trim the Chargers’ lead to 24-10 with 6:05 left in the third quarter. The Broncos made it a seven-point deficit after Lock found tight end Albert Okwuegbunam in the end zone with 11:42 left in regulation.

The Chargers scored 24 consecutive points after allowing a Broncos field goal in the first quarter.

Herbert and the Chargers’ offense shook off a slow start during a nine-play, 80-yard touchdown drive toward the end of the first half. Herbert connected with Allen on a 9-yard touchdown pass and had a 34-yard pass to running back Justin Jackson to ignite the team’s first scoring drive.

The Chargers scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the first half. Hebert threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to rookie fullback Gabe Nabers with 15 seconds left before halftime. The Chargers went into the locker room with a 14-3 advantage after Naber’s first career score.

Herbert continued his trend of getting many players involved. Wide receivers Jalen Guyton, Tyron Johnson and tight end Donald Parham Jr. also recorded their first career touchdowns from a Hebert pass.

Herbert finished 29 of 43 for 278 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Lock went 26 of 41 for 248 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

It wasn’t Herbert’s best performance, but he led the Chargers to 30 points, 485 yards and the rushing attack had a season-high 210 yards.

The Chargers led in most statistical categories, but they’re the ones left speechless after another frustrating game.

“We gotta find ways to win,” said wide receiver Mike Williams, who had a team-high 99 receiving yards, five catches and one touchdown. “It’s the NFL. It’s gonna come down to situations like these in this league. We just gotta find ways to win.”

The Chargers have been in many close-game situations since Lynn took over as head coach in 2017. Lynn expressed disappointment for his players and frustration at himself for not having the answers on how to close games after nearly four seasons.

The Chargers badly needed this one. Now, Lynn and the Chargers are in a desperate situation.

“It didn’t do me any good to go into the locker room and give these guys a speech and beat these guys up,” Lynn said. “These guys feel bad right now. These coaches feel bad right now. And I gotta get this team’s spirit back up.”

 

 

 

 

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