(DENVER) -- An immediate exit from cornerback Pat Surtain II (concussion) on Denver's first defensive play left the Broncos defense vulnerable for Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert to pick apart in the first half of the Chargers 23-16 win at Empower Field on Sunday afternoon. Penalties and an ineffective passing game stalled the Broncos offense through the game's first three quarters. Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix began to click with his receivers in the fourth quarter, leading back-to-back passing touchdown drives, but the efforts proved to be too late. Nix completed 19 of 33 passing attempts for 216 yards, while rushing for 61 yards on six carries. Broncos rookie receiver Devaughn Vele led the team with 78 receiving yards in a breakout performance.