Broncos vs. Chargers: First Half Reactions and Analysis

The Broncos lead the Chargers 7-6 at the end of the first half. I take a look at the key plays from the first 30 minutes of the game.

The Broncos have a lot to play for in this game. With the Patriots losing to the Dolphins earlier in the day, the Broncos can secure the No. 1 seed and Home Field Advantage with a win in the final 30 minutes of the game.

Let us take a look at some key moments from the first half of the Broncos final regular season game against the San Diego Chargers. Demaryius Thomas goes 72 yards on the second play of the game Just two plays in, I had the sense that the Broncos knew how much this game meant for the playoffs. They wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard as Demaryius Thomas turned a good play into a great play. Racing down the sidelines, Thomas shed some tackles on his way to a 72 yard touchdown on just the second play of the game to give the Broncos a 7-0 lead to start the game. This season, we have not seen Thomas get into the end zone as much. But the past two weeks, he has performed well. We all know he had the key catch in the Bengals game to keep the drive alive late in the game. Broncos defense standing strong despite four turnovers The Broncos should be up big in this game. However, they turned the ball over four times in Chargers territory. This includes a Sanders fumble inside the ten yard line after a big catch. But the Broncos defense has stood tall, forcing three punts and three points after the turnovers. So, it is nice to see that the defense has risen to the challenge. But you always imagine what if? What if the Broncos scored on those two possessions? It could have easily been 28-3 at the point of the last turnover. With the turnovers, it would be worse for the Broncos. But as long as they execute, they will get the job done. I believe it. Michael Schofield needs help Kubiak! I am serious. I should go without saying that the Broncos coaching staff needs to look and help Michael Schofield. He is not the answer at the right tackle position. Going back to the Raiders game, Mack was all over Osweiler. And four of the five sacks he recorded were because Schofield was getting beat.

My suggestion is that the Broncos need to bench him and have Ryan Harris shift to the right tackle position and have someone else play left tackle. Because it is clear that Michael Schofield is not working out for this Broncos offensive line.

Next: Broncos Week 17 Inactive List

The Chargers will get the ball to start the second half. 30 minutes to go! Go Broncos!