Broncos Hump Day Hot Reads: Chargers Leave Mile High with a Victory
By Derek Milder
Dec 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos receiver Andre Caldwell (12) catches a pass while defended by San Diego Chargers cornerback Shareece Wright (29) at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
As most of you know by now the Broncos lost to the Chargers last Thursday night. It was a brutal home loss that brought the Broncos record to 11-3 on the year. It was also the Broncos first loss at home this year. The Chargers played very well and were playing for their playoff lives. The Broncos outscored the Chargers 10-3 in the first quarter but were then outscored 24-10 down the stretch in the loss. Here is what I liked, what I didn’t like, and what’s next for the Broncos.
What I Liked
Other AFC Top Seeds losing
While the Broncos had a bad loss to the Chargers at home, they dodged a huge New England-sized bullet when the Dolphins beat the Patriots on Sunday. They also received help from the Steelers Sunday night by beating the Bengals. The Patriots loss means that as long as the Broncos win their final two games they will be the top seed in the AFC. The Bengals loss puts them at 9-5 and just gives the Broncos some extra breathing room for the number one seed. The Chiefs win on Sunday ties them with the Broncos for the AFC West lead so the Broncos cannot afford to let off the gas or they could find themselves as the 5 seed in the AFC. Hopefully, the loss Thursday makes the Broncos focus in and realize they need to win these last two games.
What I Didn’t Like
Getting Outplayed by San Diego
The Broncos not only lost to the Chargers Thursday night, they were outplayed. This was arguably the first time the Broncos were outplayed this season. The Chargers dominated the Time of Possession in the game and Ryan Matthews ran all over the Broncos. Phillip Rivers played very well and made a lot of nice passes, picking on rookie Kayvon Webster quite a bit. The Chargers were ready to play and needed this win to stay in the playoff race. They played very hard and took it to the Broncos. This loss, at the end of the season, is far from the end of the world but the Broncos need to get back on track if they want to make a Super Bowl run this year.
What’s Next
Broncos at Texans
The Broncos travel to Houston this week to take on the struggling Texans. The Texans have lost 12 straight games after starting the season 2-0. Don’t let the Texans record fool you though. They have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball to win this game and play the spoiler role for the Broncos. The Broncos need to be focused and not look past the Texans like they may have done with the Chargers last Thursday night.
The Broncos and Texans kickoff at 11:00 AM on Sunday.
Broncos Clinching Scenarios for Week 16
Denver clinches AFC West division and a first-round bye with:
- Broncos win, plus Chiefs loss
Denver clinches home-field advantage throughout AFC playoffs with:
- Broncos win, plus Chiefs loss, plus Patriots loss or tie
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