Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Behind Enemy Lines: Chargers at Broncos

By Gustavo Kury

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 1: The Denver Broncos offense huddles around Drew Lock #3 in the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 1, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 1: The Denver Broncos offense huddles around Drew Lock #3 in the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 1, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 25: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 from Oregon of the South Team warms up before the start of the 2020 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 25, 2020, in Mobile, Alabama. The Noth Team defeated the South Team 34 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 25: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 from Oregon of the South Team warms up before the start of the 2020 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 25, 2020, in Mobile, Alabama. The Noth Team defeated the South Team 34 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Predominantly Orange: “Are you all-in on the Justin Herbert Project?”

Bolt Beat: “Not exactly all-in. I would say I’m cautiously optimistic. Herbert wasn’t exactly my favorite player for the Chargers to pick at 6, but GM Tom Telesco hasn’t given me reasons to doubt him yet, so I trust he made the right choice.”

Predominantly Orange: “A lot of criticism has come and gone about the 1st round trade the Chargers made, do you think it was the right move?”

Bolt Beat: “Kenneth Murray is arguably the best linebacker in the draft (without considering Isaiah Simmons, who isn’t your typical linebacker). He was sitting there for the taking at 23, so the Chargers gave up their 3rd round pick to jump up 14 spots and grab a quality player who fills a need. I would say that’s good value on the trade, regardless of if you think Murray is going to be good or not. Then considering Murray was projected to go earlier and is one of the better players in a thin linebacker class, I would say it was the right move. The Broncos and Chiefs ran all over the Chargers last season. I don’t think that happens again, as Murray will help stiffen up that run defense.”

Predominantly Orange: “What do you think was the best acquisition by the Chargers?”

Bolt Beat: “My choice would be either Trai Turner or Bryan Bulaga, Iowa. Both will help turn the right side of the Chargers’ offensive line into one of the teams’ strengths. Bulaga is on the wrong side of 30 but has been a solid contributor in Green Bay for a long time. Turner was acquired from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for left tackle and former Bronco Russell Okung. While left tackle is a more important position than right guard, Okung is already 31, while Turner is 26 and coming off five straight Pro Bowls. Talk about a lopsided trade.”

Predominantly Orange: “Who is an under-the-radar guy that the Broncos should look out for when they play the Chargers in 2020?”

Bolt Beat: “Sophomore linebacker Drue Tranquill is primed for a breakout season. He excelled in a limited role last year but should be a starter this year. He is a great tackler and has a knack for making plays. When he’s on the field, it’s hard not to notice him play after play. He can shed blockers and is relentless in going for the ballcarrier. As said before, he is a sound tackler who will go for the ball if he has the opportunity. The schedule hasn’t been released yet, but perhaps by the time the Chargers and Broncos face each other, Tranquill is a more well-known name already.”

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