DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers’ 34-27 home win over the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football made it likely that each team will make the playoffs. Here are five things we learned from this key divisional matchup.
Bosa and Mack Are Back
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Joey Bosa #97 of the Los Angeles Chargers in a defensive stance during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Chargers pass rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack made things happen against a mediocre Broncos line. Bosa secured a sack of Bo Nix, and Mack swatted a Nix pass attempt.
McConkey Impresses
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 15: Ladd McConkey #15 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Chargers rookie WR Ladd McConkey led all receivers with 6 catches for 87 yards. His crisp route-running and ability to gain yards after the catch made a big difference for the Bolts.
Bolts Secondary Limits Nix
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Broncos QB Bo Nix led the Broncos to 21 first-half points but was stifled from there by a great Chargers secondary. Denver scored just 6 points in the second half, and Nix averaged a measly 6.6 yards per attempt on the night.
Herbert Called Game
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Washington Football Team 20-16 at FedExField on September 12, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Justin Herbert, including a perfectly floated ball to Derius Davis, made the difference for the Chargers. Herbert finished with 284 passing yards, those two TDs, and an interception.
Harbaugh Outdoes Payton
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: Newly appointed head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers speaks to the media during a press conference at YouTube Theater on February 01, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
After a poor first-half showing, Jim Harbaugh’s defense turned the tables on Sean Payton’s offense in the second half. The former Michigan man’s adjustments allowed the Bolts to get back into the game and get the win.
