Denver Broncos Lose Playoff Spot After Collapse in 34-27 Loss to Los Angeles Chargers
The Denver Broncos had a playoff spot practically in their grasp but saw it slipped away in a second-half collapse, falling to the Los Angeles Chargers 34-27. Despite taking an 11-point lead midway through the third quarter, the Broncos were outscored 21-3 in the second half as the Chargers came from behind to claim the win.
Coach Sean Payton criticized his team’s performance, saying, “We had a fast start. I was encouraged by that, and then uncharacteristically this season, we didn’t finish or play nearly well enough in the second half, both offensively and defensively.”
The Broncos offense went cold after the midway point of the second quarter, turning three-and-out three times in the night and generating just six second-half first downs. The defense, which has been improved this season, struggled to contain Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who carved up their secondary for chunk gains.
Quarterback Bo Nix and linebacker Jonathon Cooper expressed frustration with the loss, both stressing the importance of bouncing back and learning from the defeat. Coach Payton acknowledged the team’s struggles with discipline, citing five “dropped coverages” from the defense.
Although the loss prevents the Broncos from clinching a playoff spot, they still have an 85% chance of making the postseason, according to Next Gen Stats. However, with the defeat, they slide to the No. 7 seed, which would require them to travel to face the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round if the standings hold.
