DENVER — At some point in the second quarter, the Chargers’ defensive unit began to wonder when it might get back on the field. They weren’t in a hurry to return to play, mind you, but they began to feel refreshed, relaxed and composed while seated on the bench in the mile-high altitude.
It was an odd sensation.
So was the sight of the Chargers marching 76 yards in 20 plays over 10:29, setting up the second of Cameron Dicker’s three field goals in their 23-16 victory Sunday over the Denver Broncos. It was the Chargers’ longest drive since the 2000 season, a generation and then some ago.
“You love it, you love every second of it,” Chargers defensive lineman Morgan Fox said of the drive after they ended a five-game losing streak in Denver. “Especially when you’re playing up here and the air’s a little thinner. You’re able to take a breather, kind of reload and get ready to go back out there. I remember saying a couple of times, ‘We’ve been sitting around for a long time.’”
The drive started innocuously enough with running back J.K. Dobbins stopped for no gain on first down at his own 9-yard line with 1:50 left in the first quarter. The Chargers led 10-0 by then. Justin Herbert’s pass to running back Kimani Vidal for a 2-yard gain didn’t give a hint of what was to come, either.
But then Herbert clicked on the first of four consecutive third-down conversions, completing a pass to wide receiver Joshua Palmer for a 14-yard gain. Herbert and the Chargers mixed passes and runs for short gains and, soon enough, they were in the red zone, settling for Dicker’s field goal.
“I could feel it,” Herbert said, alluding to the altitude. “It was definitely a tough drive. To be able to do that is huge in this league. I think it speaks a lot to our strength and conditioning program we’ve installed here. To be able to go on a drive like that, it keeps our defense off the field and helps them relax and recover.”
EXTRA POINTS
Herbert won the battle between former University of Oregon quarterbacks – until the fourth quarter, that is. Herbert set season highs with 237 yards on 21 completions in 34 attempts. Broncos counterpart Bo Nix threw for all but 55 of his 216 yards in the fourth quarter, tossing two touchdowns. …
Related Articles
Chargers overcome Jim Harbaugh’s heart issue plus injuries to defeat Broncos
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh leaves sideline temporarily because of an illness
Chargers and Broncos face off in battle of former Oregon quarterbacks
Chargers at Denver Broncos: Who has the edge?
Chargers set to face Broncos without CB Asante Samuel Jr., RB Gus Edwards
The Chargers also won the turnover battle. Nix was hounded into 3-for-10 passing for 22 yards and one interception in the first half. Javonte Williams’ second-quarter fumble was forced by the Chargers’ Khalil Mack and recovered by Teair Tart. The Chargers didn’t have a turnover. …
Dobbins rushed for a team-leading 96 yards and a 4-yard touchdown run on 25 carries. Dobbins shouldered most of the workload with Gus Edwards sidelined by an ankle injury. Dobbins topped 130 yards rushing in each of the Chargers’ first two games, but had 44 and 32 yards in the next two.