SoFi Stadium’s construction was finish in September of 2020 and since then the Broncos had never won a game there…that is until Sunday afternoon.
The Broncos were 2.5-point underdogs heading into Sunday’s game and after reeling from last weeks loss to the Houston Texans, Denver felt the need to come out and prove that their dismal start to the season was far behind them.
Denver’s defense held a talented Chargers offense to just 25-yards on their first possession. The ensuing Denver possession had Bronco fans worried when Denver quarterback Russell Wilson connected with Marvin Mims on a 4-yard pass that was yanked from his grasp by Chargers cornerback Michael Davis on Denver’s 13-yard line.
Denver defense stiffened up, holding L.A. to just 7 yards where the Chargers decided to go for it on 4th down. The Broncos defended a pass to G Everett on fourth and three, turning over the ball to Russell Wilson and the offense.
Neither team was able to capitalize on their turnover until the Chargers started from their own 9-yard line and Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathan Cooper caught a tipped (Baron Browning) pass at the line of scrimmage. Denver’s next play was a run by Javonte Williams up the middle for a three-yard touchdown and the lead. Neither team scored until right before the end of the first half when Denver kicker Wil Lutz hit a 23-yard field goal to ad to Denver’s lead.
The second half, which has been a weakness for the Broncos, started off with five and out. The Denver defense was outstanding in L.A.’s next drive, forcing them to go for it on fourth and one. The Broncos stopped them again, turning the ball over to Denver where Wilson connected with wide receiver Courtland Sutton on a 46-yard one-handed catch in the end zone to give the Broncos a 17-0 lead.
In the fourth the Chargers finally found the end zone with Austin Eckler running up the middle for a 3-yard touchdown pulling to within 10-points. Denver however, responded on their next possession after moving the ball 75-yards and a Russell to (tight end) Adam Trautman 10-yard TD that fooled the entire L.A. defense.
The Broncos defeated the Chargers 24-7, winning their sixth game in the last seven games. Denver, now just a game behind the division leading Kansas City Chiefs has an opportunity to win out their regular season to potentially make the postseason.
The Chiefs lost a close game at home at Arrowhead to the Buffalo Bills after controversy in the closing minutes, when wide receiver Kadarius Toney lined up at slot in the neutral zone. The play was allowed to continue with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes connecting with Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce who tossed a pass back to flagged receiver Toney for a touchdown. The play was called back as a result of the penalty and eventually the game. The Chiefs have now lost three of their last four games to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers and the Buffalo Bills, opening up the possibility of the Broncos winning the division.
