It was a recreation that appeared destined to finish in a tie—that’s, till Chargers kicker Dustin Hopkins got here to the rescue on one wholesome leg.
Like digital Greg Jennings earlier than him, Hopkins put the group on his again regardless of taking part in the whole recreation with a hamstring harm, drilling 4 subject targets—together with the game-winner in extra time—as Los Angeles scored a 19-16 win over the Broncos.
Hopkins additionally drilled his lone additional level try, offering practically all of the scoring for a Chargers offense that solely mustered 297 whole yards on 12 drives. It was simply the fifth time in Hopkins’s 109-game profession that he’s made at the least 4 subject targets, and is tied for his fourth-highest single-game scoring output.
The Chargers didn’t maintain a lead till Hopkins’s ultimate kick on the sport’s ultimate play, as an alternative chasing Denver for the whole night time. The Broncos took a ten–0 lead into the second quarter, however Los Angeles notched the sport’s solely landing on a six-yard rush from Austin Ekeler with simply over 9 minutes to play within the first half. Every group managed a subject objective within the ultimate minute earlier than halftime to make it 13–10 Broncos on the break.
That sluggish first half seemed like a observe meet in comparison with the doldrums of the second. The groups mixed for 10 possessions and managed three subject targets, 4 punts, two turnovers on downs and an interception. That led to an extra time that bordered on efficiency artwork: Every group went three-and-out twice, with Los Angeles managing to get into subject objective vary solely after the Broncos muffed a punt on their very own 28-yard line.
In whole, the 2 offenses ran 15 performs in extra time and gained a mixed 16 yards. Mercifully, Hopkins was there on one leg to place this one to mattress.
Extra NFL Protection:
For extra Los Angeles Chargers protection, go to Charger Report.
