Broncos-Chargers 2nd Quarter

To open the second quarter of play, Ryan Mathews ran 27 yards into the endzone. The was the longest touchdown run of Mathews’ career.

 Just as aggressively as the Broncos’ defense came out in the first quarter, the Chargers’ offense came out with the same amount of firepower. Sixteen unanswered points puts the Chargers up at halftime 16-7.

After shutting down Denver deep in their own territory, the Chargers began their second drive of the quarter on the 50-yard line. It was third-and-8 and Philip Rivers threw a lob to Malcom Floyd. Floyd made an incredible one-handed catch to put the Chargers on the 7-yard line. An intentional grounding call put the Chargers back on the 20-yard line, and Kevin Vickerson sacked Rivers for a four yard loss on third down. That brought Nate Kaeding on to tack on three points on a 42-yard field.

After a quick three-and-out, the Chargers got the ball back and Rivers connected on a 26-yard pass to Vincent Jackson, and then to Randy McMichael for a 17-yard gain, both on third and long. That was good enough to put the Chargers into field goal range. Kaeding connected on a 45-yard attempt.

To end the half, the Chargers got the ball back with about two minutes left and drove it down to within field goal range. Kaeding nailed his third field goal of the game from 47 yards out.

The Broncos defense has been strong on early downs, but as soon as they take a breath on third down, that’s where Rivers has hurt them.

The Broncos offense went stagnant in the second quarter. The best defense against the Chargers is often a good offense because it keeps Rivers off the field.

Sidenotes: Marcus Thomas left the game in the second quarter with a goin injury and his return is questionable.

Chargers’ wide receiver Vincent Jackson left the game in the second quarter with an ankle sprain. His return is questionable.

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