By JOE REEDY, AP Sports activities Author
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Justin Herbert set the rookie document for many landing passes in a season and the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos 19-16 on Sunday for his or her third straight win.
Michael Badgley tied a profession excessive with 4 subject objectives, together with the successful kick with 41 seconds remaining.
Herbert’s 9-yard display cross to Austin Ekeler within the second quarter was his 28th landing throw of the season, surpassing the 27 that Baker Mayfield had for Cleveland in 2018.
Herbert, the sixth general decide within the April draft and third QB taken, accomplished 21 of 33 passes for 253 yards. He additionally grew to become the fourth participant to throw for over 4,000 yards as a rookie, becoming a member of Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston.
Badgley got here into the sport making three of his final seven on subject objectives, however was good on all 4 of his makes an attempt Sunday. After Brandon McManus tied it at 16 with 2:47 remaining with a 52-yard subject purpose, the Chargers (6-9) drove to the Broncos 19, and the third-year kicker received it from 37 yards.
Badgley additionally was good from 37 yards to cap the opening drive. Nasir Adderley put Los Angeles in nice subject place by returning the opening kickoff 53 yards. Badgley additionally cut up the uprights from 43 yards late within the second quarter to increase LA’s result in 13-Zero at halftime. He added a 25-yarder 10 seconds into the fourth quarter to make it 16-3.
Denver (5-10) tied it with scores on three straight possessions.
McManus was good from 50 yards to deliver the Broncos inside 10. After the Chargers went three-and-out, Drew Lock scored on a 1-yard keeper for Denver’s first speeding landing in seven video games.
And after Badgley’s late subject purpose, the Broncos acquired to midfield. However Lock’s desperation cross on the ultimate play was intercepted by Mike Williams close to the purpose line.
Lock accomplished 24 of 47 passes for 264 yards. Melvin Gordon, who spent 5 seasons with the Chargers earlier than signing with Denver within the offseason, had 79 yards speeding on 16 carries.
Denver had alternatives to attain on its first two drives however got here away empty. The Broncos took almost eight minutes on their first possession and drove to the Chargers 16 earlier than Lock was intercepted by Casey Hayward Jr. in the long run zone. The ball deflected off the fingers of Denver receiver DaeSean Hamilton.
McManus then had a 37-yard subject purpose try bounce off the left upright, his first miss inside 40 yards since 2017.
Broncos: WR Okay.J. Hamler sustained a concussion through the first quarter and didn’t return.
Chargers: S Rayshawn Jenkins (ankle) and OT Bryan Bulaga (foot) had been each injured within the first half and didn’t return. CB Casey Hayward (hamstring) did not play through the second half. LB Kenneth Murray was evaluated for a concussion through the first quarter however ended up returning. Keenan Allen (hamstring) was inactive for the primary time since 2016 after attempting to undergo warmups. The Professional Bowl large receiver got here into the week second within the AFC with 100 receptions.
Broncos: host Las Vegas subsequent Sunday.
Chargers: journey to Kansas Metropolis subsequent Sunday.
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