In a thrilling Sunday Night Football matchup, the Los Angeles Chargers held off a furious comeback attempt by the Cincinnati Bengals to secure a 34-27 victory.
The Bengals, desperate to stay alive in the playoff race, trailed by a significant margin early in the second half. However, they roared back with 21 unanswered points to tie the game and breathe life into the contest.
With the game hanging in the balance, Bengals kicker Evan McPherson missed two crucial field goals, allowing the Chargers to regain the lead. Justin Herbert led a late drive, capped off by a 29-yard touchdown run by J.K. Dobbins, to seal the win for Los Angeles.
Chargers Hold Off Bengals’ Comeback Bid, Clinch Crucial Victory
The Los Angeles Chargers survived a late surge by the Cincinnati Bengals to secure a 34-27 victory on Sunday Night Football.
The Bengals, facing a significant deficit, mounted an impressive 21-point comeback to tie the game. However, their hopes for a historic comeback were dashed when Chargers defensive back Alohi Gilman intercepted Joe Burrow’s Hail Mary attempt in the end zone.
Despite a less-than-stellar performance, Justin Herbert led the Chargers to victory. He threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns while adding 65 rushing yards. J.K. Dobbins contributed 56 rushing yards and a crucial touchdown late in the game.
The Bengals, plagued by their inability to close out close games, fell to 4-7 on the season. Joe Burrow, despite a strong second-half performance, couldn’t deliver the victory. Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase were bright spots for Cincinnati, combining for 223 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Chargers talk win postgame
Chargers win, 34-27
The Los Angeles Chargers secured a 34-27 victory, enhancing their record to 7-3 following a thrilling match at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers initially held a commanding lead of 27-6 but permitted the opposition to rally with 21 consecutive points. Ultimately, they clinched the win with a decisive touchdown from J.K. Dobbins, who executed a 29-yard run with just 18 seconds remaining on the clock.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals have fallen to 4-7, leaving their playoff hopes severely diminished and hanging by a thread.
Chargers take the lead in final seconds
Following significant completions between Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey that advanced the ball deep into Bengals territory, Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins capped what could be the decisive drive with a 29-yard touchdown run, giving the Chargers a 34-27 advantage with just 18 seconds remaining.
This marks the first time the Chargers have found the end zone since there were 10:29 left in the third quarter. Up until that point, Los Angeles had been completely stagnant offensively. However, this changed during a drive that commenced with 45 seconds on the clock and 84 yards to cover.
Cincinnati misses another chance to take the lead
Evan McPherson, who is typically reliable, has failed to convert two field goal attempts in the fourth quarter, both of which could have secured the lead for the Bengals. With 1:52 left in a tied game, his 51-yard attempt veered significantly to the left. The Chargers will regain possession near midfield.
Will this be a difference in the game?
As Cincinnati gains momentum, Joe Burrow throws an interception to Chargers defensive back Alohi Gilman. However, a crucial decision negates the turnover due to a roughing the passer penalty after Burrow was tackled forcefully.
This penalty resulted in a first down, allowing Burrow to extend the drive once more just three plays later with a scramble on third-and-long. The game clock continues to run, now showing 8 minutes remaining.
Tie game! Bengals 27, Chargers 27
With his thumb guiding his preferred target, Ja’Marr Chase, to find space, Joe Burrow delivers a pass to Chase for a 17-yard touchdown, leveling the score at 27. This marks a significant shift, occurring with 12:21 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Burrow’s performance has improved to 23 completions out of 35 attempts, totaling 276 yards and three touchdowns. Chase has contributed 75 yards and two touchdowns, while Tee Higgins has amassed 108 yards and one touchdown.
Turnover, Chargers — at the worst time
Justin Herbert committed a turnover for the first time since the second week of the season, which occurred two months ago, and his fumble proved detrimental for his team. The Chargers are precariously maintaining a 27-20 lead. The contrast between the first and second halves is strikingly evident.
This comeback just got real
With Ja’Marr Chase being closely guarded by defensive backs on a crucial fourth-and-2, the Bengals opted for a bold move, launching a deep pass to the opposite side of the field. There, Tee Higgins found himself unmarked, while two Chargers defenders hurriedly attempted to close the gap.
However, their efforts proved futile.
This resulted in a 42-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 27-20 and reigniting the competitive spirit of the game, with just 2:53 remaining in the third quarter. Prepare for an exciting finish.
Touchdown, Cincinnati!
Did the Bengals take note of our previous commentary regarding the critical need for them to initiate their comeback? As the third quarter approaches its midpoint, one can sense a heightened urgency emanating from Cincinnati. During their latest offensive series, the Bengals attempted a deep pass on second down, which was unsuccessful. Subsequently, Burrow delivered a well-placed throw to the back of the end zone, but Tee Higgins was unable to secure the catch. Meanwhile, the running game began to show signs of effectiveness that had been absent throughout the evening.
However, after the Chargers’ defense successfully thwarted several plays near the goal line, the Bengals faced a fourth down and goal from the 5-yard line. It is well known that Joe Burrow has a preferred target in such situations. He successfully connected with Ja’Marr Chase for a touchdown on a slant route, bringing the score to 27-13 in favor of the Chargers.
Defenses in control to start second half
The Bengals received the opportunity they sought to commence the second half: During the initial possession of the third quarter, the Chargers were unable to advance, resulting in a three-and-out. However, Cincinnati was unable to capitalize on this advantage, as their own drive faltered, ultimately regressing after three incomplete passes, one of which was dropped by the typically reliable Ja’Marr Chase.
Consider tonight as a critical evaluation: The NFL’s top scoring defense is tasked with containing one of the most formidable offenses. Thus far, the Chargers have demonstrated that their impressive league-leading average of allowing only 13 points per game is indeed legitimate.
Halftime! The Chargers lead, 24-6
The Los Angeles Chargers have taken a commanding 24-6 lead over the Cincinnati Bengals at halftime.
Justin Herbert has outperformed Joe Burrow in the first half, completing 10 of 14 passes for 178 yards. The Chargers have also dominated the rushing game, outgaining the Bengals 94-29.
Cincinnati’s offense has struggled to find its rhythm, averaging just 4.4 yards per play. A late field goal as time expired narrowed the gap slightly, but the Chargers have been in control throughout the first half.
Chargers 7, Bengals 6
Cincinnati kicker Evan McPherson has successfully converted 2 out of 2 attempts following a 27-yard field goal. The offensive drive comprised 11 plays and covered a distance of 57 yards. It is worth recalling our pregame discussion regarding the Bengals’ standing as one of the NFL’s top teams in third-down conversions. However, this evening, they have managed to convert only 1 out of 5 attempts in that area. This can be attributed to the commendable performance of the Chargers’ defense under the guidance of first-year coordinator Jesse Minter.
Chargers keep scoring
Los Angeles has achieved touchdowns on three successive drives, establishing a 21-6 advantage with 4:35 remaining in the second quarter. This particular scoring play was a 1-yard touchdown run by JK Dobbins, concluding a nine-play, 66-yard drive. The Chargers are currently averaging 10.1 yards per play, which is indeed accurate—213 yards gained on 21 plays. This marks an exemplary beginning.
Another Justin Herbert touchdown
The Chargers jump out to a 14-6 lead with 11:02 left in the second quarter after Herbert fakes a handoff, rolls out of the pocket to his right and hits receiver Quentin Johnson on the run for a 26-yard touchdown. Herbert has thrown some absolute lasers tonight while completing his first six passes.
Defensive touchdown nullified
The Chargers believed they had compelled Bengals receiver Tee Higgins to fumble his reception on a critical 4th-and-1 situation, resulting in a 74-yard touchdown return by Alohi Gilman. However, the play was promptly reviewed, and the touchdown was ultimately disallowed after the replay confirmed that Higgins was down by contact prior to the fumble. Nonetheless, the Bengals faced some unfortunate news, as Higgins sustained an injury during the play.
Chargers 7, Bengals 3
Justin Herbert prolonged the Chargers’ second drive of the evening by utilizing his mobility, gaining 20 yards on a scramble. He concluded this drive with an impressive play, executing a five-play, 70-yard touchdown sequence with a play-action pass to tight end Will Dissly, connecting from 29 yards away.
Bengals 3, Chargers 0
Following a drive that brought them within three yards of the end zone, the Bengals incurred 5- and 10-yard penalties on successive plays, resulting in a challenging third-and-goal situation from the 18-yard line. Unable to secure a touchdown, they opted for Evan McPherson, who successfully executed a 26-yard field goal, ensuring the Bengals secured a minimum of three points. However, they were tantalizingly close to scoring a touchdown.
With 6:27 remaining in the first quarter, the Chargers regained possession of the ball.
Who is better on third down?
It is well-established that the ability to convert on third down is essential. However, this evening’s matchup heightens its significance due to the clash of formidable strengths. The Bengals boast a conversion rate of 47.3%, ranking third in the league, while the Chargers permit a mere 32.8% conversion rate, placing them fifth in the NFL.
A contributing factor to this dynamic is that Los Angeles seldom undermines its own efforts, having committed only 49 penalties on third down, which is the third-lowest total in the league.
Another slow start for Bengals…
The Bengals commenced this season with an 0-2 record, marking their fifth instance of such a start in six seasons under the leadership of Zac Taylor. Following a defeat against Washington, they fell to 0-3. However, Cincinnati managed to secure victories in four of their subsequent six matches before succumbing to Baltimore last week, resulting in a current record of 4-6. Historically, in the Super Bowl era, only six teams have qualified for the playoffs after beginning a season with an 0-3 record, with the 2018 Texans being the sole team to achieve this since 2000.
During the 2022 season, Cincinnati also began with an 0-2 record and stood at 4-4 before concluding the regular season with an impressive eight consecutive victories, ultimately finishing at 12-4 and claiming the division title. They advanced to the AFC Championship Game, where they were defeated by Kansas City.
Can Chargers unleash their “Beast”?
Following quarterback Justin Herbert’s impressive display of versatility, highlighted by his season-high nine rushing attempts resulting in a touchdown last week, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has frequently referred to him as a “beast.” This admiration was so pronounced that the team produced a video compilation showcasing each instance of Harbaugh praising Herbert. Notably, he even mentioned it during a discussion with an official.
Herbert has demonstrated remarkable athleticism throughout his life; I once conversed with a Major League Baseball scout who persistently attempted to persuade Herbert to consider a career in professional baseball, albeit without success. However, it is one matter to exploit running opportunities against a team that has not specifically prepared to counter it. Will his running ability present a strategic advantage again this evening? Should Cincinnati assign a “spy” to limit his rushing, it may inadvertently create more opportunities for him to excel in passing.
Bengals continue to come up short in close games
Cincinnati’s defeat by a score of 35-34 against Baltimore in Week 10 marked the Bengals’ fifth consecutive loss in matches determined by a margin of six points or fewer, bringing their record in such games to 0-5. The only other team with a greater number of losses in similarly close contests is Jacksonville, which holds an overall record of 2-8 and a 1-6 record in games decided by six points or less.
In addition to the six-point loss to New England in Week 1 and a five-point setback against Washington in Week 3, the Bengals’ narrow defeats also encompass three games against AFC contenders that could have easily resulted in victories.
Jim Harbaugh leading another turnaround
Following nearly three complete seasons with Brandon Staley at the helm, who was dismissed in December of the previous year while the Los Angeles Chargers held a record of 5-9, the organization appointed Jim Harbaugh as the new head coach in January.
Harbaugh has a proven track record of success at every institution he has coached, most recently at the University of Michigan, his alma mater, where he guided the team to its first national championship in 26 years last season.
In their inaugural season under Harbaugh, the Chargers, currently with a record of 6-3, have already exceeded their total wins from the previous season, in which they concluded with a 5-12 record, suffering losses in their last five games.
Herbert taking care of the ball this season
While Joe Burrow has garnered much of the attention, Justin Herbert has quietly put together an impressive season for the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite less flashy numbers, Herbert has been remarkably efficient, throwing just one interception in over 200 attempts.
His impressive passer rating of 103.2 and 7.8 yards per attempt rank among the NFL’s top 10. Herbert’s ability to avoid turnovers has been a key factor in the Chargers’ success, as he has gone seven consecutive games without an interception, setting a franchise record.
Burrow having monster season
Joe Burrow has continued his stellar play in 2023. He currently leads the NFL in passing yards and is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes. His passer rating of 108.1 ranks second among qualified quarterbacks, trailing only Lamar Jackson.
Burrow has already had two games this season with five touchdown passes, a feat unmatched by any other quarterback. He is on the verge of history, as he could become the first quarterback to throw for four or more touchdowns in three consecutive games since Russell Wilson in 2020.
Burrow, Herbert set to go head-to-head
Since entering the NFL in 2020, Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert have quickly established themselves as two of the league’s elite quarterbacks. Both players have consistently put up impressive numbers, ranking among the top five in passing yards per game, top six in touchdown passes and TD/INT ratio, and top eight in total passing yards.
While Herbert has a slight edge in regular-season statistics, Burrow has enjoyed greater postseason success. He has led the Bengals to the playoffs twice, reaching the AFC Championship Game both times and even making it to Super Bowl LVI in 2021.
