J.K. Dobbins sealed a dramatic win for the Los Angeles Chargers with a 29-yard touchdown run just 18 seconds before the final whistle, securing a 34-27 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night. The Chargers, who nearly squandered a 21-point third-quarter lead, improved to 7-3 with their fourth consecutive win.
Justin Herbert had an impressive night, throwing for 297 yards and two touchdowns while adding 65 yards on the ground. Dobbins played a pivotal role, scoring twice and bringing his season total to eight touchdowns.
Joe Burrow threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns for the Bengals, but their season woes continued as they fell to 4-7, with five of those losses decided by seven points or fewer. Tee Higgins, returning from a quad injury, had a standout game with nine receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown, while Ja’Marr Chase added 75 yards and two scores.
The Bengals erased a 27-6 deficit in the third quarter, tying the game at 27-27 early in the fourth quarter. Key plays included Burrow’s fourth-down touchdown passes to Chase and Higgins, and a 17-yard scoring strike to Chase to tie the game. However, missed field goals by Evan McPherson from 48 and 51 yards proved costly.
Despite their struggles in the second half, the Chargers executed a lightning-fast final drive, covering 84 yards in just 26 seconds. Ladd McConkey, who set a career high with 123 receiving yards, made crucial catches of 28 and 27 yards to set up Dobbins’ game-winning run.
Defensively, Derwin James Jr. preserved the Chargers’ victory by batting down a Hail Mary attempt from Burrow intended for Higgins in the end zone as time expired. The win capped a wild game in which Herbert shone early, connecting on a 29-yard touchdown to Will Dissly and a 26-yard score to Quentin Johnston, helping Los Angeles build a commanding 24-6 halftime lead.