For 1st time since ’92, Denver held scoreless
CARSON, Los Angeles County — When the Chargers decided to return to Los Angeles this season after 56 years in San Diego, they suspected they might face a hostile crowd in each of their games. Halfway through the season, their home gatherings at StubHub Center have featured huge cheering sections for their opponents.
The stands were dominated by orange-clad fans Sunday on a historic day for both teams.
For the first time since Dec. 18, 1960, the Chargers won a home game in Los Angeles.
And for the first time since Nov. 22, 1992, the Broncos were shut out.
Travis Benjamin returned a first-quarter punt 65 yards for a touchdown and caught a 42yard TD pass in the fourth, and the Chargers played a dominant defensive game in the first home victory of their relocation season, 21-0.
Joey Bosa and Cal alum Chris McCain each had two of the Chargers’ five sacks and Los Angeles’ defense forced three turnovers and flattened Trevor Siemian and the Broncos (3-3), who hadn’t been blanked since a 24-0 loss to the Los Angeles Raiders nearly a quarter-century ago. Denver had scored in 394 straight games, which was the longest active streak in the NFL and second longest in league history.
The Chargers (3-4) are hoping there’s nothing like making a little history to get the home fans on your side.
Los Angeles has won three straight following a winless opening month in front of stadiums filled predominantly with unfriendly fans.
“We just said, ‘Let’s not even let that be an issue,’ ” said quarterback Philip Rivers, who passed for 183 yards in his 100th victory. “I don’t think it was in any way a reason why we lost those (first) three (home) games, but it certainly took a little getting used to . ... It’s just going to take some time working here until we’re in a stadium that is dominated by Charger blue.”
Cornerback Casey Hayward recalled what defensive coordinator Gus Bradley told the players Saturday: . “‘No matter if there are 10 Charger fans, let’s play for the 10 Charger fans,’ ” Hayward quoted Bradley. Hayward had an interception.