Denver, CO — In what was expected to be a pivotal matchup for AFC West supremacy, the Los Angeles Chargers fell to the Denver Broncos, 31-20, in a tough road loss that exposed weaknesses in their pass protection and quarterback decision-making. The defeat drops the Chargers to 3-2 on the season and 1-2 in the division, raising questions about their consistency as they head into Week 7.
Despite nearly 200 rushing yards from the Chargers’ offense and several defensive takeaways, four costly interceptions by quarterback Justin Herbert, along with persistent pressure from Denver’s defensive front, derailed what could have been a statement victory.
Herbert’s Rough Day: 4 INTs Sink Chargers
Justin Herbert, typically the steady leader of the Chargers’ offense, had one of the most challenging performances of his career. Completing just 18 of 31 passes for 207 yards, Herbert threw two touchdown passes but was intercepted four times by a suffocating Broncos secondary. Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain II nabbed one interception, while Caleb Farley picked off Herbert twice, and safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. added another takeaway.
Herbert’s four interceptions were a stark contrast to his earlier form this season. His mistakes, combined with poor protection from the Chargers’ offensive line, neutralized a highly productive day on the ground, where running back Hassan Haskins led the charge with 146 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Head coach Jay Cee didn’t mince words when discussing his quarterback’s performance. “Justin knows he’s got to be better in those key moments. He’s our leader, and we trust him, but those mistakes hurt us, it was like his brain was on a delay today” Jay Cee said in his post-game press conference. “We left a lot of plays on the field.”
Haskins’ Breakout Performance Wasted
Hassan Haskins, the lead running back in a running back by committe, was the hot hand and a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating afternoon for the Chargers. Haskins exploded for 146 yards on 11 carries, including a spectacular 58-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that brought the Chargers a little life as they were already down three scores. He also contributed 32 receiving yards on four catches, demonstrating his all-around ability to make plays.
Yet, despite Haskins’ best efforts, the Chargers couldn’t capitalize on his breakout performance. With Herbert struggling and the offensive line allowing constant pressure from Denver’s front seven, the rushing attack alone wasn’t enough to keep the team competitive.
“It’s frustrating because you feel like you’re doing everything you can to help your team win, but at the end of the day, it’s about all 11 guys being on the same page,” Haskins said after the game. “We’ll get it fixed, but this one stings.”
Denver’s Defense Dominates
The Broncos’ defense, led by cornerback Patrick Surtain II and linebacker Nik Bonito, was relentless in its pressure on Herbert throughout the game. John Franklin Meyers recorded the game’s only sack, but it was Bonito’s constant presence in the backfield that forced Herbert into hurried throws and poor decisions. The Broncos defense stymied the Chargers’ passing attack, which managed only 207 yards and two touchdowns despite several big opportunities.
Denver’s defensive game plan was clear: limit Herbert’s ability to get comfortable in the pocket, and force turnovers. The strategy worked to perfection, with Denver having short fields and all the momentum off of Herbert’s four interceptions. Bonito’s pressures were especially damaging, disrupting several key third-down plays and preventing the Chargers from building any rhythm.
On the other side of the ball, Denver’s offense was efficient if not spectacular. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix completed 19 of 26 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown. Although Nix threw one interception to Chargers rookie corner Tarheeb Still, the Broncos’ ground game picked up the slack, with Jaleel McLaughlin rushing for 68 yards and two touchdowns along with Javonte William’s 50 yard touchdown run in the first quarter before he was sidelined for the rest of the game with an injury.
The Chargers have officially strayed from what made their first 3 wins so seemingly easy, winning the line of scrimmage. They struggled on both sides of the ball in that aspect during this contest.
Chargers’ Defense Struggles Despite Takeaways
The Chargers’ defense managed two takeaways in the game, with rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still intercepting Bo Nix in the seconf quarter and safety Derwin James recovering a fumble forced by Rudy Ford at the end of the first half. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the defense’s inability to contain the Broncos’ ground game, which racked up 166 yards and three rushing touchdowns.
While Los Angeles was able to get pressure in the backfield, recording multiple tackles for loss, they failed to record a single sack. Defensive tackle Teair Tart had a solid outing with several tackles for loss and a key pass deflection, but the lack of pass rush allowed Nix too much time in the pocket to find his receivers, particularly Marvin Mims Jr and Donald Parham Jr., who combined for 125 receiving yards. “We didn’t make enough plays when it counted,” said Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa. “We’ve got to get home on those pass rushes and limit those explosive plays.”
Division Implications and What’s Next
The loss is significant for the Chargers in the context of the AFC West standings. Now 1-2 in the division and falling to .600 on the season, they find themselves behind both Denver (4-2) and the Kansas City Chiefs (4-1). The team’s defensive inconsistency and Herbert’s struggles under pressure have raised red flags as the season progresses.
With a road game against the 3-3 Arizona Cardinals up next, the Chargers will look to regroup quickly and avoid falling into a midseason slump. Reinforcements could be on the way, as starting center Connor McGovern is expected to return from injury, which could help solidify the offensive line and provide Herbert with better protection as both him and left guard Zion Johnson were out due to injury.
“We’ve got a lot of season left,” Jay Cee emphasized. “We’re going to use this week to make the necessary adjustments, clean up the mistakes, and get ready to go into Arizona and get back on track.”
The Chargers’ next stretch of games is critical as they look to stay competitive in the playoff race. Herbert and the offense need to regain their form, while the defense must find a way to generate more pressure and avoid bending in key moments.
Final Thoughts: Chargers’ Season at a Crossroad
At 3-2, the Chargers’ 2024-2025 campaign is at an early crossroads. The talent is undeniable, and the highs—such as Haskins’ breakout performance—show promise, but costly mistakes, inconsistent protection, and defensive lapses threaten to derail their ambitions.
With plenty of football left to play, there’s still time to correct course, but the margin for error is shrinking in a competitive AFC West. The team’s upcoming game against Arizona will be crucial in determining whether the Chargers can rebound or if this Week 6 loss is a sign of deeper issues that need addressing.
Chargers fans are hoping this loss serves as a wake-up call. A bounce-back performance is necessary if Los Angeles hopes to stay in the hunt for a division title and playoff berth. All eyes will be on Justin Herbert and the offensive line as they look to shake off the disappointment in Denver and turn the season around.
