In their first game since benching Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-9 on Sunday afternoon. Despite the win, Denver was eliminated from playoff contention due to other results in the AFC in Week 17.
Broncos new starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham went 20-of-32 passing for 224 yards with one touchdown in the victory.
After exchanging punts early, the Broncos took a 3-0 lead on a 32-yard Wil Lutz field goal late in the first quarter. The Chargers later matched that score with a field goal of their own to make it 3-3 in the second quarter.
Later in the second quarter, Stidham bought time on third down and found receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey in the middle of the field. Humphrey then broke multiple tackles on his way to a 54-yard touchdown to make it 10-3.
On their ensuing drive, Los Angeles botched a fake punt and turned the ball over on downs at their own 42-yard line. Denver went on to kick a 42-yard field goal to extend the lead to 13-3.
After forcing a Chargers punt, the Broncos went 55 yard fore attempting a 48-yard field goal. Lutz hooked the kick right and Denver took a 13-3 lead into halftime.
The Broncos were shut out in the third quarter while Los Angeles kicked a 50-yard field goal to make it 13-6. Denver then opened the fourth quarter with a takeaway when D.J. Jones forced an Austin Ekeler fumble that was recovered by linebacker Josey Jewell.
After a 28-yard pass interference penalty helped the Broncos convert a fourth down in Chargers territory, Denver got down to the one-yard line before having to settle for a 20-yard field goal to make it 16-6. Los Angeles later added another field goal but wasn’t able to complete a comeback.
On the injury front, Broncos offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey suffered a ribs injury in the first quarter and did not return. Cam Fleming filled in at right tackle.
Up next for Denver is a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders to close out the 2023 season in Week 18.
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