The Denver Broncos dropped to 3-3 on Sunday following a 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers (3-3) at home.
On the game’s opening drive, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix threw a pass that was intended for wide receiver Marvin Mims, who tipped it into the air and it was then intercepted by Chargers cornerback Elijah Molden.
Shortly thereafter, Denver cornerback Pat Surtain then left the game with a concussion and Los Angeles kicked a field goal to take a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh also briefly left the game with an illness but returned midway through the first quarter.
Following a Broncos punt, the Chargers extended their lead to 10-0 when quarterback Justin Herbert threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to running back Kimani Vidal. L.A. added a field goal in the second quarter to make it 13-0 and the Chargers then got the ball back Javonte Williams lost a fumble.
L.A. capitalized on that fumble with a four-yard J.K. Dobbins touchdown run to extend the lead to 20-0, which was the score going into halftime. The Chargers added a field goal late in the third quarter to make it 23-0.
After a rough first three quarters, Nix led an eight-play, 95-yard drive that ended with a two-yard touchdown pass to Troy Frankin to make it 23-7. One series later, Nix led an eight-play, 64-yard drive that ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton, who made an impressive one-handed catch. After a failed two-point attempt, Denver made it 23-13.
After adding a 40-yard Wil Lutz field goal to make it 23-16, the Broncos drew within seven points with 0:59 remaining. Denver had no timeouts left so the team attempted an onside kick, which failed, sealing a loss.
Up next for the Broncos is a short turnaround before a Thursday Night Football showdown with the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. Denver will go on the road to face the Saints on Oct. 17 (watch on Prime Video).