Chargers can’t slow down undefeated Broncos

Before the start of the 2009 NFL season most experts had the Chargers taking the AFC West division title easily. They expected San Diego to burgeon their record against weaker opponents like the Raiders, Chiefs, and yes, the Broncos and to cruise their way into the playoffs. No one was picking the Broncos, especially after what their organization had been through leading up to opening day. They crumbled at the end of last season, fired long time head coach Mike Shanahan, lost franchise quarterback Jay Cutler, and had a very disgruntled star wide receiver still on the roster. Things didn’t look good then, but things couldn’t be better in Denver these days, especially after taking a commanding lead in the AFC West by knocking off the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Monday night.

Rivalry games always seem to be played at a higher level and this one was no different. San Diego got on the board first, driving deep into Denver territory. They had moved the ball to the two yard line before having to settle for a field goal and a 3-0 lead. But no sooner than the Chargers had taken the lead did the Broncos make the game’s first big splash. On the ensuing kickoff Eddie Royal broke through the Chargers special teams coverage and busted a 93 yard return for a touchdown to put Denver up 7-3. San Diego answered Royal’s kick return with a 74 yard drive and their first touchdown of the game, a three yard pass from Phillip Rivers to Vincent Jackson.

Explosive plays on special teams continued to be the theme in the first half of play. Later on in the second quarter, after Denver had already tied the game at 10-10, Eddie Royal struck again, this time on a punt return. Royal’s punt return touchdown went for 71 yards and gave the Broncos the lead back at 17-10. The Chargers chipped away with another field goal to make it a 17-13 game, and then it was their turn to come up with a huge return. Darren Sproles took a Denver punt back 77 yards for a touchdown and sent the Chargers into the half with a 20-17 lead.

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On their first possession of the second half the Chargers drove into Broncos territory, but like earlier in the game, had to settle for three points. Being unable to finish drives with touchdowns and break through in the red zone has been a recurring problem for the Chargers this season. It has cost them before and it would cost them once again on Monday night, for after kicking the field goal, which gave them a 23-17 lead, the Chargers never scored again.

The Broncos defense took control of the game, sacking Rivers fours times and causing him to fumble three times, including one that was recovered by Denver. And while the Denver defense was shutting down Rivers and company their offense regained the lead and kept tacking on points. Kyle Orton threw two touchdowns and they added a field goal to pull away and wrap up the game with a final score of 34-23.

The Chargers (2-3) now trail the Broncos (6-0) by three and a half games. San Diego will have a chance to heal a bit with games against the Chiefs and Raiders over the next two weeks. It will get tough again after that as they’ll face the Eagles and Giants before finally getting another shot at the Broncos in Denver. The chances of winning the division now for the Chargers look bleak, but as we all learned last year you can never count this team out. However, with the way the Broncos are playing this year and with some of the issues the Chargers continue to face it looks like San Diego will be playing for a wild card berth from here on out.

By Steven Mondelli
ProFootball-fans.com San Diego Chargers Correspondent