The Chargers squeaked out their third win of the season in Week 3. Both sides of the ball made some incredibly clutch plays down the stretch to come from behind and pull off the victory to improve to 3-0.
Let’s look at five plays that stood out the most in the win over the Broncos.
1. Justin Herbert’s late touchdown to Keenan Allen
You’ve probably seen a million replays all over the place by now, but there are very few humans who can make the throw that Herbert made on Sunday. Late in the fourth quarter, down by seven, he slung a laser to Keenan Allen for the game-tying touchdown. Despite getting hit all day long, Herbert was still able to use his mobility and get off the incredible throw to tie things up.
2. Late third-down conversion to Allen
The first play may not have even happened if not for the 3rd-and-10 completion to Allen earlier in the drive. Herbert connected with Allen for an 11-yard gain to pick up the first down. The Broncos picked up an unnecessary roughness on the play as well, which moved the ball to midfield.
3. Cameron Dicker’s game-winning field goal
I know, it sounds crazy to not have the game-winning kick higher on the list. Dicker remains perfect from 43 yards and less in his NFL career, a truly incredible feat. Not only is he one of the best kickers in the NFL, but he remains as clutch as can be.
4. Troy Dye sack in the 4th quarter
If you notice a theme here, well these top four plays all happened in the last three minutes of the game. The Broncos got the ball back just before the two-minute warning with the game tied up. First downs are huge in these scenarios, and Chargers linebacker Troy Dye was able to track Bo Nix out of bounds on 1st-and-10. Dye got credited with a sack for the 0-yard gain and put the Broncos in 2nd-and-long, which kept momentum on Los Angeles’ side.
5. 37-yard completion to Quentin Johnston on opening drive
What a performance it was by Johnston, and he helped the Chargers get off to a quick start. The 37-yard completion on the opening drive set the tone for the rest of the day as he finished with a season-high 89 yards and six catches. The big play also came on 3rd-and-7 and put the Chargers at the Broncos’ 15-yard line. While the offense was held to a field goal, it was a big play to set up a crucial three points early in the game.
Honorable Mention: Derwin James sack on 1st-and-10
After two first downs got the Broncos to near midfield, Derwin James came up with a huge sack on 1st-and-10 in the second quarter. The Broncos lost six yards on the play and ultimately had to punt after they were put behind the sticks. It was James’ first sack of the year and completely killed any momentum that Denver’s offense had built on the drive.
