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How Broncos attack AFC West: Game planning against rivals

By Nicholas Manning

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos huddles with the offense against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 22, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos huddles with the offense against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 22, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Andrew Beck #83 and Connor McGovern #60 congratulate Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos after his rushing touchdown during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 06, 2019, in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers

Under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, the Chargers Cover 3 concepts out of a 4×3 and 5 x2 nickel base. Similar to Kansas City, the Chargers boast a terrific pass rush with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram and the ultimate chess piece in Derwin James.

The difference between the Chargers and the rest of the division is the overall strength in the secondary. The Chargers have cornerbacks Desmond King, Casey Hayward, and former All-Pro Bronco Chris Harris.

The Broncos will be able to make some plays outside (see Sutton toasting the Chargers for three touchdowns last season), but may be inclined to gash Los Angeles on the ground.

The Broncos are confident in the front five for the first time in recent memory.

The addition of Graham Glasgow through free agency and the drafting of Lloyd Cushenbarry III in the draft provides Denver with as good of an interior as any team in the league. For all the acclaim the Chargers will receive for the defense, their interior run defense shows some weaknesses.

Both Lindsay and Gordon are capable of pounding the ball inside for big gains.

The Broncos can attack the Charges utilizing a few run concepts before going big with play-action over the top.

First, Shurmur can utilize inside zone caps to take advantage of the offensive line’s mobility to create natural run gaps inside. The lineman who has covered flows to an area to engage the nearest defender while the uncovered lineman doubles down before scraping to the second level.

The Broncos have five starting linemen who show above-average mobility to reach the Chargers’ athletic defenders.

Second, the Broncos can use a pin and pull concepts to use the defense’s aggressive style against them. The Broncos can pin the outside man and use the play side guard or tackle to pull around an alley outside of the tackle box.

The pin and pull concept can offer big chunk plays or potential long scores by helping the running back break contain and have one-on-one opportunities to make defenders miss in space.

Utilizing a mix of zone concepts and power concepts allows Denver to diversify their run looks. This helps when the team employes play action as the defense has to honor all run looks equally.

The Broncos can then use Hamler’s sub 4.3 speed or Sutton’s jump ball skills to hit the Chargers deep.

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