The Broncos defense is having trouble getting off the field after a loss to the Chargers

The Chargers' third scoring drive against the Broncos did more damage to the game clock than the scoreboard. But it still hurt Denver pretty bad.

Los Angeles started the drive with 1:50 left in the first quarter when running back JK Dobbins ran up the middle for a 9-yard gain. It didn't end until 6:24 of the second quarter, when kicker Cameron Dicker hit a 33-yard field goal attempt to make the score 13-0.

Twenty plays, 76 yards and 10 minutes and 29 seconds, elapsed.

“It’s not ideal,” Broncos defensive end Zach Allen told the Denver Post, himself in disbelief at the amount of time that had passed.

The Chargers were expected to rely on the running game to control time of possession, and they did just that, defeating Denver 23-16 on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.

The Chargers controlled the ball 37:23, putting more pressure on the Broncos, whose time of possession was 22:37, to score with fewer opportunities. Dobbins played a big role, rushing for 96 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.

Los Angeles defeated Denver 128-110 and had 69 rushing yards in the first half. During the Chargers' long scoring drive that put the Broncos in a 13-point hole, Los Angeles ran the ball 11 times, opening the door for quarterback Justin Herbert to find open targets in the middle of the field.

Herbert threw two 14-yard passes to wideouts Josh Palmer and Simi Fehoko before finding tight end Stone Smartt for a 10-yard completion at the Denver 36-yard line. The Chargers' signal-caller went 21 for 34 with 237 passing yards and a 38-yard touchdown pass to running back Kimani Vidal in the first quarter.

“They had some good concepts and put players in difficult situations by tricking your eyes. (Chargers offensive coordinator) Greg Roman and (head coach) Jim Harbaugh are among the best running concepts,” Allen told The Post. “I think they did a really good job today. We will be better.”

Another issue Denver faced on this drive and throughout the afternoon was its third-down defense. During this particular scoring drive, Los Angeles converted five straight third downs before a sack by Allen and outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper was broken and the Chargers had to settle for three points.

The Chargers went 11 for 18 on third down and 8 for 10 in those situations in the first half. Herbert was efficient in those situations, completing 7 of 7 passes for 89 yards. On the ensuing offensive attack, the Chargers faced a third-and-9 when Herbert connected with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey for a 12-yard completion. Seven plays later, Dobbins stormed into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown on third-and-2, extending his team's lead to 20-0 with a minute left in the first half.