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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Wade Phillips
Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday, the Broncos are probably going to have to double Hunter Henry, as they do not have a linebacker capable of staying with him for more than 5 yards on every play. The safeties must get more involved, and we’ll need to see more big plays like this from Darian Stewart and TJ Ward.

The Chargers are a solid team with an elite quarterback. They are not the doormat last year’s injury decimated team was (although this offense is certainly trending in that direction for them), and the Broncos will have their hands full again on Sunday.

Henry is questionable with a concussion but he expects to play. He ran all kinds of double moves last Thursday, and Denver should be hyper vigilant in staying disciplined against his routes if he does suit up. With a healthier quarterback and a defense more focused on the tight ends, they should be able to tie the season series with this century’s biggest divisional foe.

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