In what regarded like an epic collapse within the making, the Los Angeles Chargers survived on a 29-yard TD run from J.Ok. Dobbins within the closing seconds on “Sunday Night time Soccer” to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 34-27.
Whereas the Chargers couldn’t keep their halftime lead, some late defensive stops and a pair of missed discipline targets saved the Bengals from taking the lead within the fourth quarter.
Dobbins had 11 carries for 56 yards and two TDs within the sport, offering the Chargers with a balanced assault on the bottom when it mattered most.
Listed here are another key takeaways from Sunday’s nightcap.
Justin Herbert makes essential performs regardless of being held in test
It regarded like Herbert was going to be laborious to comprise for a struggling Bengals protection. Herbert was so spectacular within the first half that NBC’s Cris Collinsworth referred to his landing throw to Quentin Johnston as “sensational.”
Herbert solely accomplished 17 of his 36 passes for 297 yards and two TDs. He additionally rushed 5 occasions for 65 yards. After a quick begin to the sport, Herbert cooled off till some late throws to place Los Angeles in place to get the win.
Whereas it was not flashy from begin to end, Herbert nonetheless made the performs when he wanted to.
Bengals protection reveals indicators of enchancment
Whereas the Bengals offense has been spectacular, the protection has been a unique story this season. Coming into Sunday night time, the Bengals protection ranked twenty sixth within the league in opponent factors per sport, per TeamRankings.
After a tough first half permitting 24 factors from the Chargers, the protection responded by solely permitting a discipline aim within the second half earlier than the game-winning TD run and forcing a Herbert fumble early within the fourth quarter.
Dealing with adversity, the Cincinnati protection stepped up and confirmed some encouraging indicators when the group wanted it most. The top of the sport reveals the Bengals maintain having problem closing out video games.
Contemplating six of the Bengals’ seven losses have been by one possession, this challenge doesn’t appear to be going away.
Chargers not out of division race
It could have been ugly, however the Chargers win retains their division hopes alive going ahead. With the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs dropping to the Buffalo Payments, the Chiefs (9-1) maintain a two-game lead on the Chargers (7-3) within the AFC West.
The Chargers have a superb alternative to win the division in Jim Harbaugh’s first season as head coach, as they may have a second assembly with the Chiefs scheduled on Dec. 8.
Bengals’ season continues to unravel
Though Burrow handed for 356 yards and three TDs on Sunday night time, the Bengals suffered one other loss. That’s nothing new for Burrow contemplating he has handed for 300 or extra yards 4 occasions this season with 24 TDs and solely 4 interceptions.
Per TeamRankings, Burrow is tied for the league lead in TD passes, displaying simply how phenomenal he has been this season. With operating again Chase Brown’s emergence (521 yards and 5 dashing TDs), Ja’Marr Chase (981 receiving yards and 10 TDs) and Tee Higgins trying spectacular within the dropping effort, the Bengals have the expertise to contend.
As has been the case all season, shut video games appear to get away from Cincinnati, leaving the Bengals in a precarious place to make the postseason going ahead.
