The Chargers lead the Broncos 10-7 at halftime as they aim to start the year 3-0 with three wins over AFC West opponents. Here are some key takeaways from the first half of the game.
### Injury Implications
Harris left the game in the second quarter after suffering a non-contact injury that required a cart to the locker room. Replays suggest Harris may have suffered an Achilles injury, which could potentially end his season. This leaves Omarion Hampton and Hassan Haskins as the only two healthy running backs on the roster. Hampton managed to score a touchdown a few minutes after Harris’s injury, but the running game has still struggled slightly to gain momentum.
Additionally, guard Mekhi Becton went to the locker room early for a concussion evaluation, bringing Jamaree Salyer onto the field at right guard. Salyer committed a holding penalty on the last drive of the first half. Given how blitz-heavy the Broncos defense has been, relying on Salyer to hold up in the second half may pose problems for the Chargers’ offense.
### Swarming Run Defense
The Chargers have effectively shut down Denver’s ground game so far, holding running backs JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey to zero yards on five carries. Quarterback Bo Nix has scrambled for 11 yards, accounting for all of Denver’s rushing yards this half. Los Angeles has largely forced Denver into a boom-or-bust approach offensively. If this trend continues, Nix is likely to make mistakes—especially after turning the ball over five times in his first two games this season.
### Jamaree Caldwell’s Ascension
A significant part of the Chargers’ success against the run goes to rookie defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell. Caldwell continues to impress each week alongside Da’Shawn Hand, frequently penetrating Denver’s backfield and forcing running backs to the ground. His pass-rushing ability has also been a welcome development, particularly as Naquan Jones appears to have moved ahead of Otito Ogbonnia on the depth chart.
### Quentin Johnston Keeps the Momentum
It might be time to acknowledge Quentin Johnston as a crucial weapon for the Chargers’ offense. The third-year receiver led the team with 77 receiving yards in the first half, including a 37-yard catch-and-run on the opening drive and a 22-yard corner route on a precise throw from Justin Herbert—despite pass interference from Broncos cornerback Riley Moss.
Johnston has seen significantly more targets than any other Charger, with 12 compared to 8 combined for the rest of the roster. While Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen are expected to see increased involvement in the second half, Johnston has clearly emerged as the team’s top option so far.
### Eye Discipline
The Chargers have at times appeared too aggressive in the first half, leading to some lapses in eye discipline. For example, Denver nearly scored on a flea flicker to Marvin Mims Jr. in the second quarter that was only prevented by a slightly off-target throw from Bo Nix. During that play, Donte Jackson was caught looking at Nix rolling right rather than staying on his man.
Denver later scored on a 52-yard deep pass to Courtland Sutton on fourth down, capitalizing on Alohi Gilman’s eyes being fixed in the backfield due to a fake toss to Dobbins. Although LA has largely contained the Broncos’ offense, maintaining discipline against Denver’s well-designed deep passing attack will be critical for closing out the game in the second half.
—
Stay tuned as the Chargers look to hold their lead and continue their pursuit of an undefeated start in the AFC West.
https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chargers/2025/09/21/chargers-broncos-first-half-takeaways-score/86284294007/