If there's one thing that's been made clear through the first five weeks of the NFL season, it's that no lead is safe for the San Diego Chargers.
The Chargers have blown a double-digit fourth quarter lead in two of their four losses this season, and it looks like they're trying to do it again against Denver.
Early in the fourth quarter, it looked like San Diego was about to wrap the game up when they recorded a safety for a 21-3 lead over the Broncos.
🚨 SAFETY ALERT! 🚨
— NFL (@NFL) October 14, 2016
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📺: @NFLonCBS#TNF#DENvsSDhttps://t.co/ljIzXHoOZD
However, this is the Chargers we're talking about, so it was only a matter of time before thing went south in the fourth quarter, and that's what happened on the ensuing kickoff following the safety.
The Broncos purposely kicked the ball short, which meant that a Chargers blocker had to field the ball, and that blocker was offensive lineman Kenny Wiggins. Wiggins couldn't hold onto the ball, and of course, you can probably guess who recovered his fumble.
Free Kick for @Broncos...@Chargers can't handle it.#Broncos Ball!
— NFL (@NFL) October 14, 2016
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The Broncos took the turnover and turned it into a touchdown 11 plays later on a Trevor Siemian 5-yard touchdown pass to Bennie Fowler. The score cut the Chargers lead to 21-10 with 8:08 left in the game.
The Chargers then went three-and-out on their ensuing drive, which set up another scoring opportunity for Denver. This time, the Broncos cashed in when Brandon McManus cut the lead to 21-13 when he nailed a 46-yard field goal with 27 seconds left.
At that point, all the Chargers had to do to avoid another meltdown was to recover the ensuing onside kick. Of course, this is the Chargers we're talking about, so you know that didn't happen.
Onside kick. ✅@Broncos recovery. ✅
— NFL (@NFL) October 14, 2016
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📺: @NFLonCBS#TNF#DENvsSDhttps://t.co/I1JwpyDFDC
Denver recovered and got one more series to tie the game.
Everyone at Qualcomm Stadium held their breath on the final play of the game, which was a Trevor Siemian Hail Mary. For once, the other team's prayers went unanswered, and the Chargers held on for the 21-13 win.
Chargers coach Mike McCoy had a tough time watching toward the end.
"Guys, I can't watch these final 15 seconds, someone just tell me what happens." #TNF#DENvsSDpic.twitter.com/VnoyXYel7S
— John Breech (@johnbreech) October 14, 2016
To read more on the game, check out the six biggest things you missed by clicking here.