INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Justin Herbert didn’t throw a landing move for the primary time in 27 video games. For as soon as, it didn’t matter because of the Los Angeles Chargers particular groups.
Dustin Hopkins kicked 4 subject targets, together with a 39-yarder with 2:38 remaining in extra time, because the Chargers rallied for a 19-16 victory over the Denver Broncos.
Hopkins, who injured a hamstring in the course of the first half, grimaced as he kicked the ball and fell to the bottom earlier than being picked up by teammates. The ninth-year kicker was inactive for final week’s sport towards Cleveland because of a quadriceps damage.
Hopkins’ heroics have been arrange when Deane Leonard recovered a muffed punt on the Denver 28-yard line.
Herbert, who remains to be recovering from fractured rib cartilage from successful one month in the past, appreciated Hopkins having the ability to intestine it out.
“We’ve bought a lot respect for him. For him to go on the market and play and put up with some ache like that, it was nice to see,” mentioned Herbert, whose 56 makes an attempt with out a TD move is an NFL file.
Coach Brandon Staley mentioned Hopkins’ hamstring form of cramped up early, however began to loosen up in the course of the second half.
“You possibly can’t say sufficient about him hanging in there,” Staley mentioned. “On the finish we had no selection. We have been going to kick it doesn't matter what.”
Hopkins has 5 video games with 4 or extra subject targets. Additionally it is the primary OT game-winner of his profession.
“I used to be making an attempt to concentrate on somewhat backswing and simply get by way of the ball. And that was it,” Hopkins mentioned. “I wasn’t eager about the circumstance or something like that.”
The Chargers have received three straight to enhance to 4-2. They're tied with Kansas Metropolis atop the AFC West. It's the first time in franchise historical past they've rallied from a double-digit deficit on the finish of the primary quarter to win.
Los Angeles was down 14-3 on the finish of the primary quarter final Sunday in Cleveland earlier than pulling out a 30-28 win.
This sport gave the impression to be headed towards a tie till Denver’s Montrell Washington muffed JK Scott’s punt on the Broncos 32-yard line. It was recovered by Deane Leonard on the 28.
Washington referred to as for a good catch, however Denver security P.J. Locke didn’t hear Washington and tried to dam Ja’Sir Taylor when Locke ran into Washington.
“I simply noticed the returner operating up, he was form of relaxed, after which his teammate was simply standing there,” Taylor mentioned. “At first, in case you return, I paused somewhat bit, after which it simply clicked in my head like, ‘Oh, simply throw him onto the returner.’ And it occurred, and the ball got here out.”
Herbert, who accomplished 37 of 57 for 238 yards and an interception, handed to Mike Williams for 9 yards on third-and-12 from the Denver 30 to get Hopkins nearer.
Russell Wilson was 15 of 28 for 188 yards and a landing for the Broncos (2-4), who dropped a sport in extra time for the second straight week.
“We felt like we might have received the sport, after which we had the fluke play on the finish. It didn’t work out, however all people is collectively,” Wilson mentioned.
Denver jumped out to a 10-0 lead with scores on the primary two drives. Brandon McManus was good from 51 yards halfway by way of the primary, and Wilson discovered a wide-open Greg Dulcich for a 39-yard landing with 1:49 remaining within the quarter.
Dulcich’s TD was the primary of his profession and the Broncos’ first in 87 minutes, 54 seconds.
The Chargers answered on their ensuing possession, placing collectively a 15-play, 82-yard drive that was capped by Austin Ekeler’s 6-yard run up the center together with his linemen serving to him get throughout the objective line.
Following a Denver three-and-out, Los Angeles evened it at 10 on Hopkins’ 37-yard subject objective with 53 seconds remaining within the half.
The Broncos weren't content material to expire the clock although. KJ Hamler hauled in a 47-yard move to the LA 28. Denver bought to the Chargers 9 earlier than McManus was good from 27 yards.
The Chargers tied it on their first drive of the third quarter when Hopkins break up the uprights from 31 yards.
The groups traded subject targets within the fourth quarter. McManus was good from 48 yards after Baron Browning picked off Herbert. The Chargers answered with Hopkins making it from 35.
“That is very disappointing,” Denver coach Nathaniel Hackett mentioned. “We had some alternatives there, and we’ve bought to execute at the next stage. We’ve bought to provide you with some higher performs.”
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