The Denver Broncos were penalized seven times for 61 yards in a 34-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football in Week 16.
One of the most crucial fouls came from linebacker Justin Strnad, who was penalized for “barely” hitting sliding Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert on a third down in the third quarter. Instead of facing 4th-and-6 from Denver’s 11-yard line, L.A. was gifted a 1st-and-goal from the five-yard line.
The Chargers went on to score a touchdown. Assuming they would have kicked a field goal on fourth down if not for the penalty, that foul was a four-point swing.
After the game, Strnad initially said he had “no comment” on the play before later saying, “I don’t think it was a penalty.”
When asked if he made contact with Herbert, the linebacker had this response: “I think I like barely hit him. I mean, he’s a huge quarterback, I’m getting ready to tackle him, he slides last second. I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do.”
This is the play in question:
I’m sorry, but this shouldn’t be called unnecessary roughness on Justin Strnad… pic.twitter.com/TM7zKLRyOd
— LTB Podcast (@LTB_Muse) December 20, 2024
Broncos cornerback Tremon Smith also had a crucial penalty that cost the team points. Just before halftime, Smith made contact with a returner who had called fair catch. The resulting 15-yard penalty gifted the Chargers a fair catch free kick, a three-point swing.
Smith admitted it was a “dumb penalty,” but he also implied that the returner manipulated the situation.
“The returner did a good job of selling it, just running into me even though he wasn’t going to catch the ball,” Smith said. “Like I said, dumb penalties.”
Tremon Smith on the interference penalty at the end of the first half pic.twitter.com/Xz867vBliE
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) December 20, 2024
Strnad and Smith will look to bounce back when the Broncos face the Cincinnati Bengals on the road in Week 17.