LA Chargers: Positive standouts from Week 8 loss to Denver Broncos

2. Casey Hayward

The second half was absolutely atrocious for the LA Chargers, particularly the secondary. However, the team was really good in the first half and would have shut the Broncos out if it was not for a Justin Herbert interception on the first drive.

A big reason why the Chargers’ defense started the game so well was the re-emergence of Casey Hayward. Hayward has not been himself this season and has really taken a step back, something that is common for defensive backs over the age of 30.

However, Hayward looked like his vintage self early on in this game. Hayward did a really good job in coverage and even made stop big stops, including a diving pass deflection on third and short in the first half.

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However, Hayward did get banged up and was not on the field as often in the second half and that is what ultimately cost the team the game. Brandon Facyson committed a terrible, completely unneeded pass interference in the end zone on fourth and four that set the Broncos up for their game-winning touchdown.

If Hayward was healthy he would have been in the game, Facyson would not have been and that would not have happened. The Chargers likely would have won.

It is a shame, but it was still nice to see Hayward bounce back after a rough start this season. Hopefully, he can keep it up.