Broncos vs. Chargers: 3 Keys to Victory

What both teams need to do to emerge victorious on Sunday in Carson

The last time the Chargers played the Broncos was Week 1 when Denver got out to a big lead then started turning the ball over then won because the Chargers offensive line can’t block on special teams very well and a game-tying field goal try was blocked.

That game was played in Denver and odds are the stands at StubHub Center in Carson are going to look just about as orange as the ones in Colorado did.

The Chargers have won two straight games but both of them have come outside of Southern California. They’re 0-3 on their soccer pitch and as several guys in the locker room have told me, they’re always on the road. Opposing fans are going to be out in full force again so if the Bolts are finally going to win a “home” game they’re gonna have to do it in front of another crowd that gets louder when the “visitors” do better.

Fernando Ramirez looks at what the Chargers have to do to win their 3rd straight while Derek Togerson shares the Broncos keys to victory:

Chargers Key #1: Make Siemian Beat You

In week 1 when these two teams met Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian looked like an All-Pro in the first three quarters of the game, but when the Chargers defense started settling down in the fourth quarter he looked like himself. The pass rush of the Chargers started making him uncomfortable. They will need to do that all game on Sunday. One of his favorite targets, receiver Emmanuel Sanders, has been ruled out this weekend after sustaining an ankle injury on a low blow by Giants safety Landon Collins. The Broncos also have their other stud receiver Demaryius Thomas nursing a calf injury so that will be something to monitor. So, if Bosa and Ingram, who lead the league in combined sacks with 13, can make Siemian uncomfortable he will be prone to making mistakes.

Broncos Key #1: Win on 3rd Down

Overall the Chargers offense was not very good on 3rd down against the Raiders a week ago but on their two touchdown drives they were AMAZING on 3rd down. One of the biggest reasons for that is WR Keenan Allen, who is one of the most reliable 3rd down receivers in the game. In Oakland (and the previous week in New York) it was Allen who extended several drives. This week Allen is questionable after suffering a shoulder injury in practice. If he plays he won’t be at 100% but the Broncos so-called “No Fly Zone” secondary will still have to account for him. Lock up Allen and force punts and the Broncos win.

Chargers Key #2: Prioritize Gordon and Henry

The Broncos are coming off a huge loss against the New York Giants, were the Giants mix and matched their tight end Evan Ingram, who had 82 yards and a touchdown, and their running back Orleans Darkwa, who ran for 115 yards. The Chargers will need to do that with their tight end Hunter Henry and running back Melvin Gordon. Both players have been a huge part of the team’s recent success. Gordon is tied in the NFL for most touchdowns with seven and the team needs to keep feeding him the rock. Henry had zero receptions in their first meeting, but it seems like Coach Lynn has figured out that it is time to use his young tight end. If the Chargers hope to be able to compete against one of the best defenses in the NFL they will need to mix and match their young weapons.

Broncos Key #2: Put Charles in a DeLorean

The Chargers have the NFL’s single worst rushing defense. 32 out of 32. C.J. Anderson has been the main running back and Charles has only carried the ball 38 times in 2017 … but for a 5.1-yard average. Plus he has had some monster games against the Chargers in his career. He’s certainly not the same back he used to be but I have a hunch Charles can turn back the clock against this utterly porous Chargers run defense. If the Broncos ride him and Anderson, say 15 carries for Jamaal and 20 for C.J., they should be able to run away with a win.

Chargers Key #3: Take Care of the Football

This seems like an easy task, but the Broncos defense has always give quarterback Philip Rivers a hard time. Rivers has thrown 23 interceptions in 24 games against the Broncos. He needs to be able to take care of the ball especially because Roby, Talib, and Harris Jr. can turn that interception into a pick-six in a blink of an eye. In the Chargers two wins Rivers has thrown five touchdowns and only one interception. If the team hopes to keep the winning streak going they will need Rivers to take care of the football.

Broncos Key #3: Be Bad Houseguests

You remember that “atmosphere” we talked about where opposing fans are taking over the StubHub Center? That plays a role. When a football team goes on the road it EXPECTS to be booed and jeered and verbally abused. That is not the case in a team’s own stadium and it can impact a game. It definitely has so far in Carson, where the Bolts can’t feed off of anything. The Broncos need to take charge of this game early like it did in Week 1 except this time don’t let the crowd have a chance to get out of it. When you have a team down step on its throat.

Fernando’s Prediction: 21-17 Chargers. The Chargers will keep the winning streak alive, as this will be a defensive football game. Rookie receiver Mike Williams will score his first career touchdown.

Derek’s Prediction: 19-19 tie. Neither of these teams is dominant on offense, both have a tendency to be boring, and I really want to pick a tie at least once. And let’s face it; the only thing anyone really wants from this game is the return of Sergio Dipp.

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