Denver Broncos: Gameplan to beat the Los Angeles Chargers

Denver Broncos defensive gameplan vs. Los Angeles Chargers offense

The Los Angeles Chargers look downright scary on offense since the team turned to rookie quarterback Justin Herbert.

Herbert has quality targets at his disposal in Pro-Bowler Keenan Allan and matchup nightmare Mike Williams. Throw in tight end Hunter Henry, and the offense provides Denver with an array of problems.

Herbert will be and should be the key focus for Denver this week. Though the Chargers can run the ball effectively, there is less to worry about than any of the Broncos than their previous opponents.

Herbert, who brings several of the same skills as Patrick Mahomes, whom the Denver defense fared well against last week, offers a significant challenge.

Herbert is accurate, big in the pocket, and mobile enough to hurt you if the play breaks down.

The Broncos should utilize the same strategy as last week’s gameplan used against the league’s premier quarterback.

What they did was simple yet complex.

Vic Fangio has found a wonderful marriage of pressure looks and zone coverage behind them.

Last week, Fangio sent 4 or 5 rushers but effectively confused a well-coached Chiefs team leading to free rushers several times.

The Broncos should continue to have their way with the Chargers upfront due to injuries and COVID tests up and down the line.

Like the Chiefs last week, the Chargers’ offensive line is in flux, so the Broncos will need to maximize their opportunities up front.

With superior matchups on the defensive line, Denver should be able to get home with minimal effort.

This is especially true now with the return of Dre’Mont Jones and DeMarcus Walker upfront.

The emergence of Malik Reed and the reemergence of Bradley Chubb have given this team two dangerous pass rushes capable of ruining any quarterback’s day.

To maximize Chubb and Reed’s effectiveness, Fangio, can utilize an overloaded look on one side to get the Chargers to slide protection and bring free rushers from the backside.

If necessary, Alexander Johnson will be utilized quite a bit like a spy or late rusher to ensure Herbert has to get rid of the ball. Additionally, this allows Johnson to use his instincts to read Herbert’s eyes and make a move to the likely passing lane.

With A.J. Bouye’s return and the continued excellent play of Bryce Callahan, the Broncos can continue to compete with talented receiving units, like the Chargers. The backend communication with safeties Justin Simmons and Kareen Jackson remains strong and will need to continue.

The defense will most likely continue to utilize cover-3 and cover-6 looks.

In their cover-3, Jackson comes down in the shallow quarters and adds presence in the run game. Simmons remains over the top while both corners patrol the outside thirds.

The cover-6 look is a mixture of cover-2 (backside) and cover-4 (front side). The team can utilize this when facing bunch sets, or bracket Allen if he’s starting to gain traction.

Regardless of the coverage scheme, the Broncos must continue to create pressure. If the young Chargers quarterback has too much time, he is bound to find an opening or two in the Broncos secondary.

The Broncos will continue to dial up the pressure as Fangio’s confidence in the team’s zone defense has been on point.

Denver’s defense presents a challenge Herbert hasn’t seen yet. If doubt creeps in early, Herbert may struggle throughout to pick up the primary and secondary read as the defense cycles through different looks.

If so, look for Herbert to play into the defense’s hands by becoming impatient and force a throw.