Chargers vs. Bengals 2024: A Thrilling AFC Showdown
The 2024 NFL season has been packed with excitement and high stakes, and one of the most anticipated matchups of the year took place between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams have been looking to establish themselves as legitimate playoff contenders in the highly competitive AFC, and this game delivered everything fans hoped for: big plays, clutch performances, and a nail-biting finish. In this blog post, we'll break down the key moments of the game, key players, and what this matchup means for both teams as they push toward the playoffs.
Pre-Game Context: High Stakes for Both Teams
Heading into Week 9, both the Chargers and the Bengals were in the thick of their respective playoff races. The Chargers (5-3) had been playing solid football behind their young quarterback Justin Herbert, but consistency remained a problem. Their offense had shown explosive potential but was often held back by turnovers and defensive lapses. On the other hand, the Bengals (4-4) were trying to shake off a slow start to the season after coming off a Super Bowl appearance in 2021 and a strong playoff run in 2022. Quarterback Joe Burrow and his offense, led by the explosive Ja'Marr Chase, had started to find their rhythm after a rocky start to the season.
This game had playoff implications written all over it, with both teams needing a win to stay competitive in their crowded divisions. The Bengals were looking to stay in the AFC North race, while the Chargers were hoping to remain relevant in the AFC West and Wild Card race.
Key Players to Watch in the Game
Justin Herbert (Chargers QB) – Herbert has evolved into one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, and his arm strength, mobility, and poise in clutch situations make him a constant threat.
Joe Burrow (Bengals QB) – Burrow, despite a few early-season injuries, was back at full health and was playing with the confidence that had made him one of the league's best young quarterbacks.
Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals WR) – Known for his explosive plays, Chase is a game-changer who can turn a regular game into a highlight reel. His deep-threat ability is a major weapon for the Bengals.
Keenan Allen (Chargers WR) – Allen is one of the most consistent and reliable wide receivers in the league. His route running and hands are always on display, making him Herbert's favorite target.
Trey Hendrickson (Bengals DE) – Hendrickson’s ability to disrupt the pocket was going to be key in keeping pressure on Herbert, especially against an offensive line that had been known to struggle at times.
Austin Ekeler (Chargers RB) – Ekeler’s versatility as both a running back and a pass-catching threat out of the backfield makes him one of the most dangerous dual-threat players in the NFL.
First Half: Fast-Paced Offense and Defensive Struggles
The game kicked off with a sense of urgency, as both teams came out firing on all cylinders. The Bengals took the opening possession and immediately showed why their offense is feared. Joe Burrow connected with Ja'Marr Chase on a few quick passes, including a 25-yard sideline throw that set up a Joe Mixon 1-yard touchdown run. The Bengals' offensive line, which had been a point of criticism earlier in the season, gave Burrow enough time to survey the field and find his top playmakers.
On the Chargers’ side, Justin Herbert responded with his usual poise and precision. Herbert’s first two drives were a mixture of deep passes to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, as well as short, efficient throws to Austin Ekeler out of the backfield. The Chargers' offense clicked early, and they tied the game with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Gerald Everett after a 75-yard drive that chewed up a significant chunk of clock. However, a costly fumble by Ekeler on the next possession gave the Bengals excellent field position, and they capitalized with a quick strike to Tee Higgins for a touchdown, making it 14-7 Bengals.
The Chargers’ defense struggled to contain the Bengals' passing game, particularly on third downs. Burrow was quick with his decision-making, and Ja'Marr Chase was finding soft spots in the Chargers’ secondary. That said, the Chargers were able to settle in and respond with a field goal, making it 14-10, but their inability to stop the Bengals in the red zone was a recurring theme in the first half.
In the final minutes of the half, the Bengals’ defense stepped up, with Trey Hendrickson sacking Herbert on a crucial 3rd-and-10 to force a punt. The Bengals took over with just under two minutes left and extended their lead with another efficient drive, culminating in a McPherson field goal as time expired, giving them a 17-10 lead at halftime.
Second Half: Momentum Shifts and Clutch Performances
The second half saw both teams adjust their strategies, with defensive coordinators making key tweaks. The Bengals' defense, led by defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, focused on limiting Herbert’s deep passes. They switched to more zone coverage, which limited Allen and Williams’ ability to break free on long routes.
The Chargers, in turn, tried to establish the run with Joshua Kelley, but the Bengals' front seven did a good job of containing him, forcing Herbert to throw more often than the Chargers would have liked. Despite the struggles, Herbert was still able to lead the team downfield with quick throws and precision, including a stunning 35-yard strike to Mike Williams in the third quarter to tie the game at 17-17.
In response, the Bengals leaned heavily on their playmaking duo: Burrow and Chase. Burrow connected with Chase for a spectacular 50-yard gain that set up another Mixon touchdown run, putting the Bengals back on top 24-17. The Chargers’ defense, despite its early struggles, began to clamp down in the second half, and Herbert was once again called upon to answer.
Herbert didn't disappoint. He led a quick scoring drive in the fourth quarter, finding Gerald Everett in the end zone for his second touchdown of the game, tying the game at 24-24 with 4:30 left on the clock. At that point, it was clear: the game was going down to the wire, and whichever team could execute in the final moments would win.
The Final Moments: A Heart-Stopping Finish
With the game tied at 24-24, Joe Burrow had a chance to show why he's known for his coolness in crunch time. The Bengals' offense took over with just under 3 minutes left, and Burrow was as composed as ever, completing key passes to Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins to move into Chargers' territory.
The Chargers’ defense fought back, getting a critical stop on third down to set up a McPherson 47-yard field goal attempt with just 18 seconds left. The tension in the stadium was palpable as McPherson lined up for the kick.
The ball was snapped, the kick was up... and it was GOOD! McPherson split the uprights, giving the Bengals a 27-24 lead with only a few seconds remaining.
The Chargers had one last chance to pull off a miracle, but a deep throw from Herbert was intercepted by Bengals safety Vonn Bell to seal the win.
Post-Game Takeaways:
Bengals' Offensive Efficiency: Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense showed their playoff pedigree in this game, executing in the clutch and moving the ball effectively despite a few hiccups early. Burrow’s ability to target Chase and Mixon was key, and the offensive line held up well enough to give Burrow time to make his reads.
Chargers' Missed Opportunities: Despite a strong performance from Justin Herbert, the Chargers couldn’t overcome key mistakes, including a turnover from Ekeler and a few missed opportunities on defense. The inability to stop Joe Burrow in key moments was costly.
Defensive Adjustments: The Bengals' defense was not perfect, but they made critical adjustments in the second half to slow down Herbert's deep passing game. The Chargers' defense, meanwhile, struggled to contain Burrow and his playmakers, allowing big plays when they couldn’t afford to.
Looking Ahead
For the Bengals, this win was crucial in keeping pace in the AFC North and improving their playoff positioning. The win highlighted their ability to execute in crunch time, which could serve them well down the stretch.
For the Chargers, the loss was a tough one, but they remain a dangerous team in the AFC playoff picture. If they can clean up their mistakes and become more consistent, they could still make a push for the playoffs.
This game was a perfect example of why the AFC is one of the most exciting and competitive conferences in the NFL, with every game carrying significant weight as teams vie for playoff spots. As both teams continue their seasons, the memories of this showdown will undoubtedly fuel their pursuit of postseason success.
