Lessons the Broncos Must Learn from their Last Meeting with the Chargers

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked by Denver Broncos defensive end Jared Crick (93) and Derek Wolfe (95) during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked by Denver Broncos defensive end Jared Crick (93) and Derek Wolfe (95) during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chargers continued the NFL’s trend of avoiding the secondary entirely, and instead focused on their tight ends. Hunter Henry carved up Denver’s defense.

Monday was a good day. My birthday was on Tuesday and Brock’s magical 7-yard fumble was the best gift I could have asked for. Bronco fans are breathing a little easier after that comfortable win.

A big reason why we were so stressed in the first place is due to the debacle in San Diego last Thursday. The offense was restricted by their one-armed quarterback flying solo without his play-caller, so there isn’t a whole lot to parse through on that side of the football that would be useful to analyzing this weekend’s rematch.

However, the Chargers had some success on offense, especially early. They continued the NFL’s theme of avoiding the No Fly Zone, and instead opted to win the game against Denver’s linebackers.

The Broncos came out disorganized on defense. On the second play of the game, Boss Ward dropped down into the box, Rivers audibled, and Marshall and Harris desperately motioned for him to swing back to the other side of the formation.

Rivers hit Benjamin on an 8 yard out to the sideline as Harris had to play farther back on the speedster without safety help. There were a few more plays on the first drive where players seemed to be out of position, but this was not the main reason for the defense’s early struggles.

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