If someone told the Chargers they would roll into Denver and gain 369 total yards as well as score on a pick-6, everybody in that San Diego locker room would have thought they would win. That was not the case as the San Diego Chargers missed a golden opportunity in Denver as they lost 27-19 in an ugly game by both teams. Both teams combined for six turnovers, 14 penalties, and both defenses scored touchdowns in a slugfest. They knew there was a lot at stake with a win. The Chargers had more to lose with this loss because it sets them back in the division as well as the wild card chase.
This game had a weird way of starting for San Diego as they drove down the field and scored a touchdown on their opening drive. It felt way too easy and you just felt like Denver’s defense would wake up. That was certainly the case, as the Bolts did not score until the second half. Philip Rivers started hot and went subzero as that Denver defense picked him off three times. Two of the interceptions were off tips, but any quarterback is going to start seeing ghosts when a defense torments them. He did say after the first interception he allowed doubt to creep in his mind.
Rivers took a bunch of shots to the chest as Von Miller and company had their way as they racked up four sacks. That did not stop him from staying in the pocket and making throws. Rivers was able to connect with Antonio Gates and Travis Benjamin on touchdowns. He was the first quarterback to throw for over 250 yards and two touchdowns this season on the Broncos.
Melvin Gordon had himself a good afternoon as he amassed 111 yards on the ground along with four catches for 44 yards. He was the first 100-yard rusher against Denver since week 2 of last year. The Chargers really could have dictated the pace by imposing their will more in the first half. Their were too many three-and-outs in the first half when the score was 7-3 in favor of San Diego. Against elite teams like Denver, you have to be physically imposing in the run game.
Defensively, the Chargers had one of their best performances on the season. They gave up 20 of the 27 points, but they were wreaking havoc all day. Brandon Mebane led the charge as he helped shut down the run game all afternoon forcing Trevor Siemian to beat the Bolts. The Broncos quarterback made some good throws especially late in the game on a fade route to Demaryius Thomas. This game could have been a blowout if they did not create three turnovers.
Melvin Ingram got the team’s only sack in the second quarter as he stripped Siemian and gave his team possession. Korey Toomer made a big play in the third quarter after a Rivers interception. He forced a fumble as Devontae Booker stretched the ball toward the goal line and saved the game for the Chargers in the third quarter. Casey Hayward got his fourth interception on the year as he plucked it out the air and returned it for a touchdown. Despite forcing three turnovers, John Pagano cannot be happy with his unit as they dropped four interceptions today.
Drew Kaser struggled pinning the Broncos inside the 20 on his punts today. Pinning teams deep in their own territory can help change the complexion of football games. The real special teams blunders came with Josh Lambo as he missed a field goal and an extra point kick. Those four points came back to bite the Bolts in the end as going for a late field goal is easier than a touchdown against Denver.
The key to winning is dominating on two of the three phases of football. The Chargers lost on offense and in special teams, which cost them a game. This is one of those games you have to win because it can provide energy. They still have two games to play before the bye week against Tennessee and Miami. Overall, San Diego’s schedule is relatively easy as they could be poised to make a run with five of their last eight games at home. At 3-5, their division title hopes might be gone, but a wild card berth is attainable.
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