The Los Angeles Chargers overcame a stunning Cincinnati Bengals comeback on Sunday night to secure a 34-27 victory, thanks to J.K. Dobbins’ 29-yard touchdown run with 18 seconds remaining. The win improved the Chargers to 7-3, their best start since 2018, and cemented their status as AFC contenders.
The Chargers appeared to be cruising after building a commanding 27-6 lead midway through the third quarter. Quarterback Justin Herbert was in peak form, passing for 297 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 65 yards, showcasing his dual-threat ability. However, the Bengals stormed back, fueled by gutsy play-calling and explosive moments from their star receivers.
Down 21 points, Cincinnati ignited its rally with two fourth-down conversions that led to touchdowns. Joe Burrow connected with Ja’Marr Chase on a fourth-and-goal slant from the 4-yard line to cut the deficit to 27-13. On their next drive, Burrow hit Tee Higgins for a 42-yard bomb on fourth-and-2, bringing the Bengals within one score.
Higgins, who returned after missing three games with a quad injury, had a monster night, finishing with nine receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown. His big-play ability was on full display as he routinely outmaneuvered Chargers defenders Elijah Molden and Ja’Sir Taylor.
Cincinnati tied the game at 27 early in the fourth quarter when Burrow found Chase again, this time on a 17-yard touchdown. Over the course of three scoring drives, Burrow completed 16 of 30 passes for 245 yards, spearheading an effort that silenced the SoFi Stadium crowd.
However, the Bengals left points on the table late in the game. Kicker Evan McPherson missed two potential go-ahead field goals in the fourth quarter, wide left from 48 and 51 yards. Those missed opportunities loomed large as the game wore on.
Despite the Bengals’ surge, Herbert remained composed. With just over two minutes left, he orchestrated an 8-play, 75-yard drive, setting the stage for Dobbins’ game-winning score. On second-and-8 from the Cincinnati 29, Dobbins burst through the middle, juking two defenders before crossing the goal line.
Dobbins, who joined the Chargers in a midseason trade, finished with 84 yards on 12 carries, continuing to provide a crucial spark to the offense.
“It wasn’t perfect, but we found a way to finish,” Herbert said postgame. “This team has a lot of fight, and that’s going to carry us far.”
For Cincinnati, the loss dropped them to 6-4, a tough blow in a competitive AFC playoff race. Burrow, who struggled early, finished with 312 yards and three touchdowns but couldn’t overcome the team’s missed chances.
“We fought back, but in the end, it’s about execution,” Burrow said. “We had chances to win, and we didn’t capitalize. That’s on all of us.”
The Chargers head into Week 12 riding high and will look to maintain their momentum against a tough Baltimore Ravens team. Meanwhile, the Bengals must regroup quickly as they face another pivotal divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In a game that featured dramatic swings and thrilling moments, the Chargers proved they have the mettle to handle adversity, while the Bengals were reminded how slim the margins can be in the NFL.
