Denver Broncos: Key individual matchups against the Los Angeles Chargers

Matchups: Pass rushers against Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert has been all the Chargers wanted and more. In the first matchup with the Broncos, the young QB dazzled, throwing for 278 yards and three touchdowns. He did, however, throw two interceptions.

In his last four games heading into last week’s showdown versus the Raiders, he has shown some vulnerabilities as opponents seemed to be using a blueprint to confuse the young quarterback.

However, he bounced back and carried the chargers to a win versus the Raiders. Herbert is capable of hanging in the pocket or escaping the pocket to create big plays. Last week’s Thursday night matchup had it all, as Herbert delivered a gem of a performance.

To stop him, the entire Broncos pass rush will have to get home, and a lot.

The Broncos has the players upfront to create some issues for Herbert including Bradley Chubb who earned his first Pro-Bowl nod this season.

Chubb and Shelby Harris, among others, must create pressure from a variety of areas to cause Herbert to make errant throws. A vicious pass rush is really all that can even up the matchup between the Charger receivers and the Broncos’ depth in the secondary.

That said, the Broncos defensive players got heated last week as they overcompensated for each other, leaving holes for Buffalo ball carriers to have a big day. They must play sound football and simply outplay their counterpart to get to Herbert early enough to disrupt the play.

Look for the Broncos to focus on supporting the backend, so the Broncos must get home with a four- or five-man rush. Chubb, Harris, and the rest of the front-7 must find ways to really make like uncomfortable for Herbert and Co.