Denver Broncos: Key matchups vs the Los Angeles Chargers
Matchups: Justin Simmons vs. Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert has balled out this season, plain and simple. Not everyone was high on the rookie quarterback out of the University of Oregon, and he is making a lot of doubters eat their words (me included).
He has shown tremendous control of the offense, spreading the ball to a variety of receivers.
So, the Broncos cannot simply key on wide receiver Keenan Allen or tight end Hunter Henry, both of whom are studs, and must defend the field’s entirety.
I did see from watching some of his games the desire to throw the ball down the middle of the field.
His desire to attack in between the hash marks with the intermediate and deep passing game may play right into Denver’s hands as they boast one of the best safety tandems in the NFL.
Leading the secondary is All-Pro safety, Justin Simmons.
Simmons’s ability to roam and impact the play simply by his effective and heady play could cause the young quarterback problems.
Head Coach Vic Fangio should continue to call pressure looks for his defense, which may cause Herbert to get rid of the ball sooner than he’d like or force a throw.
Simmons is a playmaker, and if the ball is in his facility, he is likely to come down with it and change the game’s course.
Next. Players who could be traded if the Broncos sell at the deadline. dark
If Simmons can make a big-play early or in crunch time, the Broncos may be able to rattle the Chargers offense and come away with a much-needed win Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.