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Denver Broncos: Stock Report After Win vs. Chargers

By Shelby Manning

Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) celebrates with linebacker Kenny Young (41) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) and linebacker Malik Reed (59) after scoring a touchdown on an interception in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) celebrates with linebacker Kenny Young (41) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) and linebacker Malik Reed (59) after scoring a touchdown on an interception in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos, Pat Shurmur
Jul 28, 2021; Englewood, CO, United States; Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur looks on during training camp at UCHealth Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos Stock Up after Chargers win

Pat Shurmur, Offensive Coordinator

Why not start the stock report with perhaps one of the most surprising swings of the 2021 season? A week ago, I never would have forecasted that I would be commending Pat Shurmur’s performance, but here we are. I am happy to be wrong in this instance.

Though it certainly was not a perfect game called by Shurmur, he finally seemed to be able to get out of his own way and made the decision to commit to the run game, something Broncos Country has desperately implored Shurmur to do all season long.

After an embarrassing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Shurmur’s seat may have felt as if it was on fire. Though it is still certainly warm, Shurmur may have been able to take a little heat off of himself, even if just temporarily.

While this game was not absent of questionable calls by the offensive coordinator, he finally allowed himself to commit to something that was working, and even successfully got creative with his play-calling, something we don’t see often.

Realistically, the Broncos’ offense has been predictable this season– run, run, throw short of the sticks, and punt.

In this matchup, we saw Shurmur successfully open up the playbook and allow his running backs to capitalize against a weak Chargers’ run defense.

If you’re still not convinced that Shurmur actually called a decent game, here are a couple of statistics to consider: The Broncos finished 8-11 on third down and were 3/3 in the red zone.

Of course, Shurmur has a LOT of work to do in the remainder of 2021 if he wishes to be employed after the season. But for this week, he has managed to stop the bleeding.

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