Herbert Leads Chargers to 23-20 Victory Over Broncos, Extending Unbeaten Streak to 3-0

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Justin Herbert delivered a clutch performance Sunday, rallying the Los Angeles Chargers to a 23-20 victory over the Denver Broncos and marking their first 3-0 start since 2002. The pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter when Herbert connected with veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen for a 20-yard touchdown with 2:44 remaining. Herbert then guided Los Angeles into field goal range for Cameron Dicker's 43-yard game-winning kick. “We got a bunch of playmakers out there and just enough time to get the ball off and never a doubt,” Herbert said. “Guys had complete faith in each other the entire time.” Herbert’s composure under pressure was evident on the tying drive. He completed a critical third-and-10 pass to Allen for 11 yards, aided by an unnecessary roughness penalty against Denver’s Talanoa Hufanga that moved the Chargers to midfield. He then hit Omarion Hampton for a 23-yard gain before connecting again with Allen in the end zone. Allen praised Herbert’s precision and timing. “By the time I turned around and seen him, he was already running,” Allen said. “He just threw it up, gave me a chance one-on-one, and I was able to come down with it.” Herbert finished the game 28-of-47 for 300 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. At 27 years and 195 days, he became the youngest NFL player to reach 2,000 career completions, surpassing Drew Bledsoe, and did so in just 82 games, the second-fastest in league history.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh emphasized the significance of the win. “It’s a signature win. It’s one that reveals your character. That all-out hustle from our guys from the first snap of the game to the end,” Harbaugh said. Denver (1-2) suffered its second consecutive last-second loss, struggling with penalties and inefficiency. The Broncos had 10 penalties for 90 yards, managed only nine first downs, and converted two of 13 third-down attempts.

Trailing 10-3, Denver mounted a brief comeback, scoring 17 points in 3 minutes and 40 seconds spanning the end of the second quarter and start of the third. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw a 52-yard touchdown to Courtland Sutton and J.K. Dobbins added a 19-yard rushing touchdown. Wil Lutz contributed a 42-yard field goal after a Chargers turnover by Derius Davis. Despite Denver's surge, the Chargers responded with determination. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton, who also caught six passes for 59 yards, rushed for 70 yards on 19 carries. “He was running with purpose, always lunging forward, surging forward,” Harbaugh said of Hampton.

With the win, Los Angeles became only the third team since NFL realignment in 2002 to start a season with victories over the first three division opponents, joining the 2006 Chicago Bears and 2003 Minnesota Vikings.

Injuries: Chargers running back Najee Harris exited in the second quarter with an Achilles tendon injury, while guard Mekhi Becton is in concussion protocol.

Next Up: The Broncos host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Sept. 29, while the Chargers visit the New York Giants next Sunday.