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Denver Broncos: 5 things we learned in win vs. Chargers

By Sayre Bedinger

CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos celebrates his completion to set up a game winning field goal by Brandon McManus #8 to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 23-22 at StubHub Center on November 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos celebrates his completion to set up a game winning field goal by Brandon McManus #8 to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 23-22 at StubHub Center on November 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 18: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos tackles quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers forcing a fumble that was recovered by outside linebacker Wesley Woodyard #52 of the Denver Broncos in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 18, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 30-23. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 18: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos tackles quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers forcing a fumble that was recovered by outside linebacker Wesley Woodyard #52 of the Denver Broncos in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 18, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 30-23. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

Denver’s defense still has it

If one thing has become abundantly clear over the last month or so, it’s that the Broncos’ defense still has it.

They may not be the same as the 2015 unit, but the Denver defense knows how to close the deal and come up with big plays at the right time.

They picked off Philip Rivers twice in this game, broke up nine passes, racked up 5.5 tackles for loss, and took Rivers down via sack three times.

The defense may have given up some big plays on third downs but it was a defensive play (Von Miller’s interception) that gave the Broncos the spark they needed to mount a comeback.

They also, for the most part, shut down Melvin Gordon.

After a two-game stretch of really struggling to defend against the run, the Broncos’ run defense found its groove again and got back to its dominating ways. Gordon finished this game with 69 yards on 18 carries.

He still managed to rack up yards from scrimmage but the Chargers were only able to gain 3.7 yards per carry and the Broncos won the first two downs, forcing a lot of third-and-long situations.

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