In a revenge game after a tough Thursday night loss two weeks ago in San Diego, the Denver Broncos prevailed over the San Diego Chargers thanks to some superb defensive play, as Philip Rivers was under constant pressure and the Broncos forced several turnovers.
It wasn’t always as easy as it should have been as the offense squandered two red-zone drives with fumbles but ultimately the Broncos found a way to win, splitting the season series.
In a game that started off with both teams scoring on their first offensive drives, Denver a field goal and San Diego a touchdown, things were slow to progress from there as the first half was a constant exchange of punts. Right until the 9:22 mark of the second quarter, when Bradley Roby grabbed a pass tipped up in the air by Chargers receiver Dontrelle Inman and returned it to the house, restoring Denver’s early lead (10-7) and imposing the defense’s stamp on the game.
Defined by turnovers, Denver could have easily pulled away if not for the giveaways they themselves had on offense. With 4:33 left in the second quarter, Trevor Siemian didn’t see Melvin Ingram screaming off his blind side and had the ball forced out for a fumble on San Diego’s 16-yard line, likely missing out on at least three points.
No matter the wasted opportunities, Denver began the second half with the lead and built on it immediately in the first series of the half. This time, Lorenzo Doss, thrust into the nickel corner position with Aqib Talib’s absence, made a play cutting the route. Doss was unable to hold onto the ball but tipped it in the air for Darian Stewart to catch it and return it to the San Diego 10 yard line. A short couple plays later Devontae Booker would run it in untouched coming off left tackle, making it 17-7.
On the very next drive, T.J. Ward created another interception, returning it once again to the San Diego 10. But as the theme would continue throughout the game, the Orange and Blue attack would squander the opportunity. Booker, on a short reception, tried stretching out to score and got the ball yanked out for yet another goal line Denver fumble. Missed opportunities would keep the game close throughout as Denver should have pulled ahead.
From their own 2 yard line, the Chargers would drive the distance and score on a spectacular Travis Benjamin catch to pull within four points. The pass found Benjamin as it was tipped off Doss’ fingertips.
That’s when the offense had to come out and respond. Siemian and the run game methodically led the unit down the field to finish off a drive on a 3rd and goal with a fullback dive by Juwan Thompson for the touchdown. The extra point made it 24-13 Broncos and all seemed done. Naturally, that’s when Siemian threw a pick-six to Casey Hayward bringing life back to the Bolts (24-19) with 8:02 left in the game.
A couple big throws from Siemian to Demaryius Thomas would get Denver a crucial three points to make the game 27-19. After that the defense was done conceding anything more, stopping the Bolts on fourth down on consecutive drives, one which reached the Denver two yard line, and cementing the Denver victory.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
T.J. Ward’s impact was felt all over the field today. He had a crucial interception and returned it to the San Diego 10 yard line. He led all Denver defenders in tackles with 10, 7 solo, while also adding a sack, a tackle for a loss, and a pass deflection.
Simply put, Ward was everywhere and was one of the many keys to a monumental performance from the Denver D.
With Talib absent, Bradley Roby and Lorenzo Doss had fantastic games filling in for the star defensive back.
PLAY OF THE GAME
In a tight contest, Roby’s pick-six was crucial in breaking the contest open and allowing the Broncos ‘D’ to start putting on the pressure. Also, the return was pretty amazing with the former Ohio State product showing off some impressive wheels.
https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/792843215862845440
QUOTE OF THE GAME
“Trevor made some big plays. He got hit way too much. We help him when we run the ball and we didn’t do that today.
– Head coach Gary Kubiak
TURNING POINT
This game was a see-saw affair. There seemed to be several turning points on both sides. While Roby’s pick-six opened the game up, the back-to-back interceptions to start off the second half really put Denver in the driver’s seat to start the half off.
BY THE NUMBERS
6 – At points, this game was a back and forth contest with teams exchanging turnovers. Each had three and each defense had a pick-six.
11 – After having had their worst pass rushing game against Houston last week, Denver got back to creating pressure. With four sacks and the 11 hits on Rivers, pressure was constant and the secondary fed off of it.
59 – In their first game without C.J. Anderson the Broncos run game looked ok at times, but mostly the run game was ineffective with Denver rushing under 60 total yards as a team.
LASTING IMPACT
Winning in your division is always important, particularly in a close division and against a team that could be in contention. Taking away the Chargers head-to-head advantage for any possible tiebreakers coming at the end of the year was huge.
With that win, Denver is able to keep pace with the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs who stay at two losses. Denver winning in spite of some important absences is also crucial.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Broncos take on the Oakland Raiders next week in Oakland, another crucial division match.
