The Los Angeles Chargers narrowly averted a second-half collapse on Sunday Night time Soccer, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 34-27 in an exciting contest. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who delivered a number of clutch performs late within the recreation, had excessive reward for his counterpart, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
“I’ve received a variety of respect for him. He is an unimaginable competitor,” Herbert stated of Burrow, through Alex Insdorf on X, previously Twitter.
The win improved the Chargers to 6-5, holding them within the AFC playoff image, whereas the Bengals dropped to 4-7, successfully ending their postseason hopes. The primary half belonged to Los Angeles, as Herbert and the Chargers offense have been practically unstoppable. Herbert accomplished 10 of 14 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns within the opening half. He related with Will Dissly and Quentin Johnston for scores and led the staff to a 24-6 halftime lead. The Chargers outgained the Bengals 272-126 within the first two quarters and appeared poised for a cushty win.
Nonetheless, the Bengals got here alive within the second half. Burrow orchestrated three consecutive landing drives, discovering Ja’Marr Chase twice and Tee Higgins as soon as, tying the sport at 27-27 early within the fourth quarter. Cincinnati’s protection additionally stepped up, forcing a Herbert fumble that additional fueled the Bengals’ momentum.
Chargers defeat Bengals on Sunday Night time
Regardless of their spectacular rally, the Bengals did not capitalize on a number of possibilities to take the lead. Kicker Evan McPherson missed two vital fourth-quarter subject objectives, together with a 51-yard try with underneath two minutes remaining. These misses finally value Cincinnati an opportunity to finish the comeback.
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Burrow, in the meantime, showcased his elite playmaking skill, escaping strain and delivering key passes to maintain drives alive. Nonetheless, the Bengals’ incapability to complete their late drives highlighted the staff’s struggles in vital moments this season. After an uneven second half that included a pricey fumble and a few missed throws, Herbert redeemed himself with two essential completions to rookie wideout Ladd McConkey on the game-winning drive. The passes of 28 and 27 yards arrange working again J.Okay. Dobbins for a 29-yard landing run, sealing the victory for Los Angeles with simply 18 seconds left.
Herbert completed the sport with 257 passing yards and two touchdowns, whereas Dobbins added 85 speeding yards and the game-clinching rating. The efficiency demonstrated Herbert’s resilience and talent to guide underneath strain, traits that will probably be essential because the Chargers push for his or her first playoff look since 2018. The loss leaves the Bengals in a dire place. At 4-7, Cincinnati would wish to win out and obtain vital assist from different groups to have any shot on the playoffs. Regardless of their aggressive nature and Burrow’s brilliance, the Bengals’ incapability to shut out video games has outlined their season.
For the Chargers, the win supplies a confidence enhance and retains them within the thick of the AFC wild-card race. With upcoming video games towards the Raiders and Browns, Los Angeles has an opportunity to solidify its playoff place and construct momentum down the stretch.