Facing a third and one to start the second quarter, the Los Angeles Chargers were absolutely stuffed on an inside run by the Denver Broncos defense to force the punt. Denver would take over at their own
15 yard line.
The Broncos looked like they would go an immediate three-and-out after two botched runs setup a third and 13. Bo Nix completed a short screen pass to Tyler Badie who was able to navigate his blockers for a 16 yard gain and a first down. However, a sack on Nix on the next series would force them into another third and long — 15 yards that time — and the magic ran out to force another punt.
Denver nearly forced a three-and-out, but Trey Lance hit a wide receiver on a crossing route for 17-yards to midfield for their biggest play of the game. Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen both got home on the very next play for a huge 12-yard sack. After a short completion, the Chargers were faced with a third and 16 and a short pass play went nowhere to force another punt for Los Angeles.
A worrisome situation happened for the Broncos next drive with left tackle Garett Bolles doing down with a lower leg injury. He was able to walk off under his own power, though.
Bo Nix was immediately pressured after Bolles left the game, but he took off running for another first down. The offensive line was struggling the entire first half at times outside of that first drive. That issue would end up forcing another punt for the Broncos with just over three minutes left in the half.
Los Angeles got a drive going in the final two minutes. A completion to Keenan Allen brought up a fourth and one just outside of field goal range. The Chargers would pitch it outside and looked like he would be tackled for a loss, but broke through for a first down at the Broncos 40 yard line.
After a false start penalty, Trey Lance would connect with his tight end to get those yards back and then another quick slant into field goal range to bring up a third and three. Lance completed his eighth consecutive pass to get the first down to the Broncos 25 yard line.
After a near interception by Riley Moss with 11 seconds left and a completion over the middle for a first down set the Chargers up with an easy field goal to close out the half.
Broncos 10, Chargers 3.
