Broncos on Rare Visit to Los Angeles To Face Chargers

The Denver Broncos have a chance to make some waves in the AFC West. They’re in need of a big win Sunday against the Chargers.

For the first time in 23 years, the Denver Broncos visit Los Angeles to face the mercurial Chargers. Traditionally, the Broncos struggle at LA. On the road against LA teams, the Raiders, Rams and Chargers, they are 5-14 (.263) all-time.

The Broncos’ last win at LA came November 22, 1987 against the Raiders at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Nevertheless, the Broncos have been gifted a golden opportunity after the Chiefs’ loss at Oakland Thursday.

The Broncos are currently 2-0 in divisional games and are even with KC in the loss column. Thus, if the Broncos can find a way to win Sunday, they’re in really good shape. If there is one thing we’ve learned in the NFL this season, there are no great teams.

The Chiefs’ 31-30 loss to the Raiders was the latest exhibit of this phenomenon. So, I now address the element in the room. Yes, the Broncos’ loss to the Giants was absolutely horrendous. However, it is only one game and AFC teams losing to NFC teams don’t hurt in the long run.

If the Broncos had to lose other games this season, defeats to the Redskins and Eagles wouldn’t hurt. As for this game, the Broncos’ injuries are significant. Here’s more info from the Chargers’ official reporter Hayley Elwood.

Also, our own blog boss, Sayre Bedinger, had some great insights to this on Friday.

Being in Utah, I can tell you all about Sharp. He’s 9th all-time in Utah State football history in receptions and touchdowns with 137 and 16, respectively, for USU. Admittedly, Garcia-Williams and Wilkinson are mysteries to me but Sharp is solid.

TE Jake Butt’s debut and LB Shane Ray’s return are highly anticipated but not expected Sunday. Statistically, the Broncos remain strong across the board, except for a pair of glaring errors

The Broncos are -5 in turnover ratio, 28th in the NFL. Even worse, they are 27th in TD red zone percentage at 45 percent. Additionally, kicker Brandon McManus is a mediocre 8-12 on the season. This is off the heels of a 1-3 performance Sunday. The Broncos need to score touchdowns in the red zone to negate McManus’ slump.

Defensively, the Broncos give up an NFL-best 261.8 yards per game and are 2nd in yards per play at 4.5. The Broncos are also 2nd in rushing defense at 70.2 yards per game. They are 8th in scoring defense at 19.4 points per game.

The Broncos’ running offense remains solid as well at 123.6 yards per game, 9th in the NFL. Tailback Jamaal Charles is 66 yards away from 10,000 scrimmage yards as well. It would serve the Broncos well to give Charles more touches as I see it. He seems to be excelling even past C.J. Anderson at this stage.

Next: Broncos Must Unleash Jamaal Charles

Per Weather.com, the temperature at Carson, Calif. is expected to be 94 degrees. With the Chargers wearing the powder blues, the Broncos catch a break wearing white jerseys.

Anyway, this is your game thread. If Chargers fans happen upon us, treat them kindly, the Broncos’ way.

GO BRONCOS!!!