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

By Jacob Weindling

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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Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Hunter Henry was easily their most effective weapon, finishing with 6 catches for 83 yards. He either lined up as their inside-most wide receiver, or on the outside in a two tight end set with both split to one side.

However, on this play, the Chargers moved three tight ends to the left, and ran Henry underneath the other two routes very much like what they did when they spread him out as a wide receiver above.

Henry capped the drive off with a touchdown that was a display of Rivers’ football genius. The following play is a great example of how the Broncos matchup zone scheme works. Towards the bottom of the screen, it looks like a simple man alignment with Harris and Stewart, but watch what happens when the ball is snapped.

Harris’ matchup was in the endzone, while Stewart covered the underneath route. Rivers clearly knew this as you can see him audible to the bottom of the screen, called a perfect play, and fired a dart right into the space he knew would be uncovered.

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