The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers meet for the final time on Sunday. We chat with Bolt Beat and get their takes on the Chargers and the game.
For the second time this season, the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers will face off. It has not been rare to see two AFC West teams face off twice in a short amount of time. In fact, the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers faced off twice in three weeks last season.
The Broncos and Chargers split the season series last year, with the home team winning one game. Denver will look to finish off the first half of their divisional slate with a 3-0 record. An undefeated record in the division will go a huge way.
But the Los Angeles Chargers are no joke. The Broncos needed a Shelby Harris blocked field goal to secure a 24-21 win. The Broncos were up 24-7 at one point in the game. So, it will be important for them to close games out if they have the lead.
With a huge divisional game upcoming, I have decided to invade enemy territory once again and chat with Travis Wakeman over at Bolt Beat. Let us see what they are up to over there.
The Chargers have been on a roll, winning two games in a row. What do you believe is the reason behind their success?
The two Melvin’s, Ingram and Gordon. Ingram has been able to put pressure on the quarterback consistently this year (credit to Joey Bosa as well) and on offense, the team has made a concerted attempt to get the ball in the hands of their best weapon, Gordon. They’ve suddenly realized that Gordon needs to have more touches and in the last two games, he’s come up big.
The Chargers are still in the thick of the AFC West race. What do you believe it will take for the Chargers to be consistent in this division despite their 1-2 record in the AFC West?
Consistent offensive line play. Whether that be in opening holes in the running game or pass protecting for Philip Rivers. The AFC West is loaded with top-notch pass rushers so if Rivers doesn’t have time to throw against teams like Denver and Kansas City, they’ll find it tough to compete in the rest of their divisional games.
With how bad the running game has been for the Chargers, do you believe that this season could be dependent upon how well Phillip Rivers performs?
No, quite the contrary. This Chargers team is going to win with riding Gordon and playing tough defense. Rivers will need to make some plays, but he doesn’t need to make ALL of the plays anymore.
The Chargers and Broncos meet for the second time this season. What will it take to even the season series and get a significant win?
Doing exactly what the New York Giants did. By running the ball and stopping the run. If Trevor Siemian is forced to beat the Chargers, the Bolts would have to like those odds.
After six weeks, which player on the Chargers roster has impressed you the most?
Tough call, but I’m going to say Melvin Ingram. It was a bit risky to pay him the kind of money they did this offseason because he’s never completely lived up to his potential, but he is changing that this season.
Next: The Denver Broncos Must Unleash Jamaal Charles
Thank You Travis for chatting with me while I crossed enemy lines. If you would like to see my interview with Travis, you can check it out here.