Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is not shy. So, his explanation of the Bolts' 35-21 loss in Denver on Thursday night sums everything up perfectly.
"They outplayed us," said Rivers, adding, "I just think they're better than us right now."
With all the injuries the Chargers are dealing with, the Broncos are certainly better than they are. Rivers and his counterpart, Peyton Manning, both threw three touchdown passes. All three of Manning's scores went to Emmanuel Sanders.
The difference is, Rivers also threw two interceptions. One of those came when Keenan Allen slipped on a route. The other came when Malcom Floyd wasn't quite able to outjump a pair of Denver defenders on a late, semi-desperation heave to try and make the game close.
Manning did throw one pick to Eric Weddle, but it was called off because of a penalty. The Chargers also recovered a fumble when Denver kick returner Andre Caldwell coughed it up, but that was overturned by a replay. Both calls were ... let's say suspect, at best.
One of the lone bright spots for the Bolts was tight end Antonio Gates. In the second quarter, he hauled in a 31-yard reception to pass Lance Alworth and become the franchise's all-time leader in receiving yards. That catch set up a touchdown pass to Keenan Allen, his first scoring catch of the season.
But, the Broncos were just too much for a depleted Chargers secondary. Cornerback Jason Verrett tried to play with his injured left shoulder but was ineffective and joined fellow injured defensive backs Brandon Flowers and Steve Williams on the sidelines for the second half. Without him, Richard Marshall was forced to play corner and was repeatedly beaten like a drum.
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For a stretch in the second half, undrafted rookie Chris Davis took over defensive back duties while Marshall was on the sidelines.
The Bolts now have 10 days to get ready for their next game, on November 2 in Miami. With a 5-3 record, the pressure is on to win in South Florida, something they have not done since the 1983 playoffs.
