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Denver Broncos: Week 6 Position Grades

By Cameron Parker

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) reacts as he walks off the field after a 21-13 loss ot the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) reacts as he walks off the field after a 21-13 loss ot the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Secondary Grade: A-

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) is defended by Denver Broncos free safety Bradley Roby (29) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) is defended by Denver Broncos free safety Bradley Roby (29) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Diego Chargers were able to put up points the past couple weeks without Keenan Allen, Stevie Johnson and Danny Woodhead in their offense. They met their toughest test in the Broncos secondary yesterday. Tight end is a problem area, not just for the linebackers, but for the secondary as well. Secondary receives an A- because of the second half adjustments by Wade Phillips.

Poor tackling and angles to a ball carrier plagued TJ Ward all game long in coverage. The loss of Justin Simmons could be bigger than people realize. There are certain packages on defense where Phillips designs plays with Darian Stewart, Ward and Simmons to be on the field. This allows Ward to play hybrid safety and linebacker in the box for coverage and the run, which at times loses his contain. Simmons was replaced yesterday by Will Parks and did a decent job in a pinch, but expect Simmons soon.

Travis Benjamin, previously of the Cleveland Browns, gave the Broncos fits last year. However, last night he was a non-factor in the second half due to the offensive coordinator focusing an emphasis on running the ball more with Gordon. Benjamin presented a problem early in coverage, but Bradley Roby did a great job blanketing him and Tyrell Williams.

Overall, the Broncos defense played well again, but they find their nasty once more to take the team the next level. Derek Wolfe, Aqib Talib, Chris Harris and Von Miller can all bring that fiery attitude to the defense. It is the inside linebackers that must retrieve the physical nature from last year. Zaire Anderson playing more on defense is a step in the right direction.

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