Right now, among NFL circles the San Diego Chargers may be considered by some a pass-first team.
Through the Chargers’ 2-2 start, Philip Rivers has been arguably the team’s standout performer. He’s thrown for over 250 yards in each of San Diego’s first four games, including a 436-yard performance against Baltimore in Week 2. With his efforts, the Chargers rank second in the league with 295.5 passing yards per game.
The team’s rushing offense, meanwhile, has been at the opposite end of the spectrum. Through the first quarter of the team’s slate, the Chargers’ rushing attack ranks last among NFL squads, averaging 2.7 yards per carry and 53.8 yards per game.
Head Coach Josh McDaniels isn’t taking San Diego’s rushing offense for granted, though. Far from it. He said those statistics might be skewed because the Chargers have had to play catch up in a few games, causing the team to abandon the running game at times in favor of Rivers’ arm.
Featuring a backfield armed with the names LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles — and an all-around dangerous offensive attack to deal with — McDaniels said the Broncos have their work cut out for them.
“We are certainly very aware of their ability to run the football,” McDaniels said. “They have got people who can block well up front. Sproles and LT are very dangerous. We have talked a lot about we don’t want to be that team that they get it going against. They are going to be a great challenge for us because they have so many weapons other places, you can’t double team everybody and put a safety down (in the box) every play. You are going to have to pick your poison, and you are going to have to play sound defense.”
McDaniels said another factor possibly hindering San Diego’s rushing attack early in the season could have been the health of Tomlinson. The veteran back sat out the club’s last two games due to an ankle injury.
But with the Chargers coming off a bye Tomlinson is expected to return to the team’s lineup on Monday Night Football. With that rest, Champ Bailey expects the former MVP to be in San Diego’s lineup and at the top of his game.
“Coming off a bye week, he’s probably feeling as good as ever,” Bailey said. “So I’ve got a feeling that they’re probably going to feed him more than they ever have. That guy, he’s a special player.”
Two Broncos did not participate in Thursday’s practice session — LaMont Jordan (not injury related) and Spencer Larsen (shoulder). Correll Buckhalter (ankle) was listed as a full participant.
For the Chargers, C Nick Hardwick (ankle) was listed as out. Two other players — ILB Stephen Cooper (knee) and WR Kassim Osgood (back) did not partcipate in the session. OLB Antwan Applewhite (hamstring), DE Travis Johnson (groin), OLB Shawne Merriman (groin), OLB Shaun Phillips (calf) and P Mike Scifres (bilateral groin) participated in full.
– Zach Eisendrath, DenverBroncos.com
Here are some photos from the onset of Thursday afternoon’s practice session:
Tags: Champ Bailey, Head Coach Josh McDaniels, San Diego Chargers, Week 6
Every time the chargers have lost this, its been high scoring and its been against a good defense (Steelers and Ravens)….we have a real stingy defense but i’m not gonna under estimate the chargers offense and possibly even special teams. With the way the offense moved against patriots and the constant improvements i see. I believe this O can score somewhat high if it comes down to a shootout. so i say we take it 27-17
I agree, TRB. We can’t underestimate the chargers offense, especially with Rivers. I still think we can do well defensively and offensively, and i think that we will come out of this game 6-0. I’m saying it now, look for a break out game for Hillis.
They have a really great offense. We need to pressure rivers, not let him get comfortable. I wish hillis could get some touches, looks like he’s still in mcdaniels doghouse. If Buck doesnt play, i hope they give Hillis 10+ carries/touches.
Even from across the pond I can see the dangers the Charges will post however the thought of DOOM ploughing through Rivers still brings a warm feeling inside and a grin to my face – Lets go BRONCO’S – Payback for last year and payback’s a B***H!!!!!!
Sorry for the mis-spelling of Chargers or should it be chargettes hahahaha
Man I can’t wait til’ Monday Night. I agree, I think Hillis needs more touches, he is a hard runner. I have said it since the day we drafted Moreno, I think Moreno and Hillis could be the best 1-2 punch in the league. We also are gonna need another big game out of our D and especially DOOM. Rivers is a good QB, but not if he is on his back!!!!
Lets go get’em Boys!!!!!!
GO BRONCOS
This should be a though hard fought game but we will win it no matter what i hope to see a total team performance
thanks for updating us on the patriots injury report too.
Lets just go out monday night and do what we do! Have fun guys!! Hopefully a complete team effort will allow that
No team we go up against this season should be underestimated… including the Chiefs and our one more meeting with Oakland. We can’t get ahead of ourselves just b/c we’re doing well so far. 5-0 is a great start, I’m loving every second of it but it means nothing. 5-0 won’t win us the AFC West HOWEVER this great start will be a huge help towards the end of our season. These 5 wins so far could define who gets the West at the end.
Like McD said, the chargerettes (as goofy as it sounds) will present us with a challenge as always. They always give us a good hard fight, but I’m beyond certain our defense will be prepared as possible. Can hardly stand the anticipation of what our D will do to their offense. Driving me crazy! Seems like Monday is 2 years away!!! Our offense on the other hand will have to be at its very best. Orton will be challenged but he should have another great game. He’s adjusting so fast to the system, I can’t say enough how impressive he is right now. He’s come so far, still facing adversity and crticism but he’s a fighter… he’ll really open some people’s eyes for the better on Monday.
Keep the faith Bronco Country…
GO BRONCOS!!!!
I like how serious you are, 07elway, but it doesn’t really matter with us. I’m talking about what you said about 5-0, but my point is, If we’re positive, it doesn’t mean the football team takes the hit. Sadly, I’m not sure how much we change the game. I really wouldn’t know. You definitely have a point, but I don’t see how us celebrating can really hinder the Bronc’s chances through the season. If anyone can prove me wrong, I’ll apologize when I come back later tonight. But I still don’t see my perspective of the team ruining our chances.
Well said 07elway – I get a bit carried away when talking about the Broncos – lots of NFL fans here in England but not many Bronco fans that I know – never mind – Its just 5-0 is such a good start and I can’t help but be excited when we are playing so strong
I BELIVE WE WILL WIN THIS ONE 27-13!! DUMERVIL WILL GET 3 SACKS AND MORENO WILL GET HIS FIRST CAREER 100 YRD. GAME!!
are u reddy for some football go broncos lets kick some charger ass i f!@ing hate the chargers
god.. when do we get to wear our original unis again?..
Don’t take what I said too seriously and don’t get me wrong… I’m ecstatic we have started out 5-0 this season. That’s the very first thing I think about when I wake up and throughout the whole day I can’t stop smiling. It’s a great accomplishment considering our depressing ending to last season and the craziness that happened this offseason. Every Bronco fan should be as ecstatic as I am but all I’m trying to say is don’t get carried away. Take a cue from McD. You saw how excited he was after the NE game and for many reasons, he had every right to be that happy and celebrate in the moment. But now he’s getting down to business, time to take this game on Monday Night seriously. McD has set a good example for this team and the fans could learn a thing or two from him as well. Celebrate in the moment, enjoy it during the week but now its time to focus on the upcoming game. As fans, we don’t have to get that serious but don’t get too carried away. Believe me, as much as I want to get carried away, there’s always a possibility we can lose a game. Then we look like fools cuz we got carried away. If anything, the team should use that win against the Pats as more motivation to turn the lights out in chargerette town. Every win or loss, should be used to fuel the fire in this team. Dawkins is the perfect example for that… he fuels the fire every week. He’s a down-to-earth guy off the field but he’s the scariest beast for any offense to face on the field. He’s a double-threat… just what our D needed. If our D doesn’t get respect, at least a few players do.
Again, not trying to cause a misunderstanding here. The team needs to take this season one game at a time, so do the fans. I would love to just blurt out we’re SB worthy just cuz we started off 5-0 but if you really think about it, 5-0 really means nothing yet at the same time its a huge deal for us considering the drama we went through. Take another cue from McD and Dawkins… stay humble but remain hungry!
Keep the faith Bronco Country…
GO BRONCOS!!!!
We get are jerseys back against the ravens this is the last week of are throwbacks.
I would like to see Doom get 3 more sacks and Haggan , Williams, Davis and Dawkins get a sack too. I also would like to see Bailey, and Goodman get Int’s.
Orton I hope you get another 300 yd game with 2 TD’s and Moreno lets get a 100 yd game and a TD.
There is already dissension in the Chargers team. Things are being said and doubts are being cast. I think they will play hard, no doubt. I think Denver will play harder. Their mental frame of mind (Denver) is solid, humble and intact. Chargers mental frame of mind, is weakening, not so humble, more a panic, and show signs of stress. Denver’s D is playing much better then San Diego.
San Diego D is 25th against points allowed. Denver’s O is 22nd in points scored. Denver has a slight edge. However, I think it’s better than projected because Denver is starting to click on O.
San Diego D is ranked 26th in yards allowed. Denver O is ranked 6th in yards earned. Denver O has the edge, obviously.
San Diego D is ranked 12th in passing yards allowed and 27th in rushing yards allowed. Denver’s O is 15th in passing yards (and showing signs of great improvement each game) and 5th in rushing yards. Denver again, IMO, has the edge. Marshall is the factor for the passing stats.
Denver D is ranked 1st for points allowed, 2nd for yards allowed, 5th for passing yards allowed, and 6th for rushing yards allowed.
San Diego O is ranked 10th in points scored so Denver has the edge. San Diego O yards earned ranks 10th. Again Denver has the edge. San Diego O 2nd in passing yards. A slight edge but that gets countered by Denver’s ability to stop the run while San Diego’s O is ranked 32nd. Denver, IMO will win both categories because San Diego is so poor in the running game and Denver is so strong. It makes San Diego one dimensional.
Denver will beat the Chargers.
Oh please beat the f’ing Chargturds. DOOM!!! I wanna see Rivers whine at blame like he does when he’s frustrated so please brutalize him.
Come on, 5 sacks for the Denver D.
I’m so stoked for this game I wanna scream.
BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!
We’ll be prepared for the Chargers’ best, thus causing them to play their worst. San Diego has great potential, but they suck because of their inconsistency. Again, the Broncos’ best will bring out San Diego’s worst. Let’s embarrass them like they have us for the past few years. 6-0, baby. GO BRONCOS!!!
Chargers GM AJ Smith calling his Team out to the media was not a good sign. That should have been handled in house. A sign of malcontent. Charger offense is potent with the exception of their running game, which no doubt they will try to get on track on Monday night. DT Jamal Williams is out for the season, and they did bring back another DT who was with them during training camp….(Safety Clint Hart cut to make room). They drafted Larry English as possible replacement for Shawne Merriman, who has been ineffective so far. Center Nick Hardwick was injured early on this season. Did not watch the Steelers/Dolts game but read the Dolts gave up quite a few yards rushing that evening.
The element of surprise Coach McDaniels brings each week is interesting. Look for Hillis, Stokely, or Scheffler to get a few more plays in this week. (It’s all about matchups). We have a couple former Charger asst coaches on our staff this year. (TE coach Clancy Barone 4 yrs in SD and D- line Coach Wayne Nunnely 12- yrs in SD).
Listed below is a breakdown by position for both Teams recently listed at ESPN:
Quarterback – edge Dolts
Running Backs – edge BRONCOS
Offensive Line – edge BRONCOS
Wide Receivers – edge BRONCOS
Tight Ends – edge Dolts
Defensive Line – edge BRONCOS
Linebackers – edge BRONCOS
Secondary – edge BRONCOS
Special Teams – edge Dolts.
What’s kind of humorous is that each week when I do my matchups at Fan Huddle, I give the TE’s of the other team the edge, yet our TE’s seem to outplay theirs? I won’t change that, as San Diego TE’s are, on paper, better. That will mean that ours will outplay them this Monday, right? Ha, ha.
As for Sproles, our ST’s need to play better then last week and we need to contain him. I have picked Orton as a better QB each week and he hasn’t disappointed. I’ll have to give this one a bit more thought. As much as I dislike Rivers, you can’t dismiss his talent. However, more then throwing the ball makes up a good QB. Does he manage the run game calls, the way Orton does? So far, no.
I cant wait until monday. Having a party to help root on our team. It should be a great game, (as most MNF games are) I see denver dominating the running game (both side of the ball) early and then staving off Rivers the rest of the night. I also see us holding our own all second half like we have been all second half.
27-17 Denver
we cannot underestimate the power of this team. The chargers are a very sound football team and their offense is almost second to none. If we allow Phillip Rivers to get hot he will explode on our defense and thats what we can’t allow him to do. From an offensive point of view we should run and pass on their defense all day long it’ll be like stealing candy from a baby. We just have to play sound and fundemental defense and protect from the deep ball and keep Antonio Gates from breaking loose
WE HAVE BEEN PLAYING GOOD FOOTBALL IN O AND D, I FEEL THIS GAME IS GOING TO COME DOWN ON ST, WHEN THE CHARGERS EVER FIND THEIR SELF IN BAD FIELD POSITION, I SEE THEM HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING THEIR O GOING. BUT WITH OUR TWO HEADED MONSTER IN THE BACK FIELD, THEY WILL FINALLY GET A TASTE OF THEIR OWN MEDICINE!!! BUT REMEMBER BRONCOS ONE GAME AT A TIME, PROOF EVERYONE WRONG, MAKE THEM JUMP ON THE WAGON, THIS YEAR IS OURS FOR THE TAKING!!! 6-0 BABY!!!
60 MINUTES OF FOOTBALL GO BRONCOS!!!
if the Broncos are wearing the retro unis, i think its the away version of it.>>>I think brown and white was it??they showed during offseason when teams had to pick their throwbacks.
I have some concerns about this matchup, #1 they are getting off a bye week and have something to prove. #2 It’s a Divisional game on the road. This Team could be ready to blow up, I sence some shenanagans and trickery coming and The Broncos can’t come out agressive and over persue.
Personally I would like to see all 11 starters on the D get a sack or two but that is unlikely, but I do see The Broncos D getting some key turnovers (in the air) and I think it will come down two Prater and a field goal for another win.
On another note I was surfin the channels tonight and come across TNA wrestling and saw Kurt Angle wearing red, white, and blue vertical striped socks and I LMAO ! ! !
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
marshall15law, while the Chargers O can be powerful when clicking, they have not been so this year. “2nd to none” is not accurate. 32nd in running the ball is not intimidating. They have so much yardage passing because they can’t run. Not to say they can’t improve, but they won’t do it, IMO, against Denver. Denver will not underestimate the potential that SD has if they click. But SD had better not underestimate Denver while they are already clicking. To favor the Chargers at 2-2 like the press and Sportsbooks here in Vegas are, over the 5-0 Broncos, is both insulting and again, IMO, living in last years history. The NFL is all about “what have you done for me lately,” but the media and Sportsbooks just don’t seem to get it. I’ve let my money roll at the casino. I put $400 down on the Patriots game which is mostly casino money from the 1st 4 wins. I am going to put my $760 now earned, on Denver. If I lose, I actually only lost $50 from my own pocket from the 1st game. The rest was casino money. I want to see how far I can ride this. I love Vegas.
Double D,
you better cashin after this week and put that casino money to good use. The Broncos are exactly were I thought they would be right now and I believe they will win this week to go 6-0, but after the bye week is were I see The Broncos having a little more trouble. I’m not saying the ravens, steelers, redskins, chargers again, and the giants are better teams but just the lagistics of that strech will be a challenge. those five games will be played in 26 days when normally 4 games are played in 28 days, that alone is tough. Starting with a road game in baltimore will be a challenge, good thing daylight savings ends on the 2nd, but we have a monday night game at home against pittsburg on the 9th, then they go on the road against washington on the 15th, then back home against the chargers on the 22nd, then of all things on the 26th a night game on Thanksgiving Day against the giants, thank God it’s at home. Between the travel, holliday’s, and working in practice this TEAM better eat thier Wheaties. This will be the biggest test for our Denver Broncos, until two weeks later when the go to indi, BRUTAL!
So Double D I say cash in when you can and put that money to good use.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Dave let 50 bucks ride and see what happens from there.
dave i was not liveing in the past, yes their run game is not very good but if you check their passing attack they are very potient and phillip rivers, as much as i hate him and hate to say it, he is a very effective quarterback. I still believe that the broncos take this game with Marshall putting up another huge game this season and against the bolts
Final Score: 27-17 with two BMarshall touchdowns again
GO BRONCOS
Florio’s mom, Monday you said 34-10, now you say 27-17 (you went from a 24 point spread to 10!). I’m keeping track of the predictions (I list the top results the night after the game) you can’t change them as you go, you increase your chances of getting one right, I am gonna keep your 1st prediction on my scorecard (just like I would for anybody else), not that you care, ahahahah. I always wait until the end of the week to make mine so I don’t have any change of mind. Anyhow, how come you’re getting scared now? LOL.
Anyway, I finally got mine, we win 27-14.
27 on O mainly on the huge advantage we’ll have in the running game with Bucky back and them being 27th against the run, allowing 151 yards per game. I don’t see us going deep on them (their strength), good week to have the dink and dunk doing it’s stuff, but it will be on the running game this week, maybe as much as around 200 yards. Plus, that’s how you keep the ball away from Rivers and keep a crowd quiet (pounding the ball all night).
14 on their end, because they are one dimensional, air only, therefore we will be able to pressure Rivers, force him into mistakes with a pick or two, but he is still good enough to score twice on us.
The ST better make me proud this time, I still have a bad taste in my mouth from last week.
30-17
If we can get our ground game going early that should be a huge advantage. Our D is playing good, but Gates always seems to find the endzone on us, so they’ll get some points.
Our kick coverage needs to be amazing this week. Sproles is fast and he has the big return threat. Shut down the run and force Rivers to beat us. Blitz him and he will make some mistakes. The o-line isn’t as good as the Patriots so I can see some fumbles and INTs.
It won’t be a cake walk, but it will be an exciting game. I have my oxygen and defibulator on hand for this one. I’ve needed it every week this season…
Go Broncos!!!!!!!!!!
brian, you’re doing the same thing, I have you down for
27-17, your early week pick.
I guess everybody is drinking the kool-aid, and too much of it. LOL. Something is affecting the memory…
27-17, I feel it!!!!
baylinorcrush: You’re right I did guess that earlier. This is Prater’s 3 FG week I guess. You can take whatever one you like.
I’ll stick with the 1st.
So has anyone that predicted been spot on any of the prvious weeks?
I believe we should go 27-14. We won’t let their kicker do anything for SD. Maybe we should sign LeBron James to a one week contract and get him to catch all of their field goals. lol
But that isn’t logical to rules to the NFL and you probably think im stupid for it, lol, but I’m sticking with all of my idea’s.
Very tough game to predict but here goes.
I believe this game will come down to who controls the line of scrimage. We need to establish the run early and often to keep the chains moving and Rivers off the field. This facet of the game should favor the Broncos, as we have one of the best (if not the best) O-lines in the NFL. We have to be very careful not to turn over the ball and give them momentum as the Chargers are a very good team at getting turnovers and stripping the ball.
On defense: Stuff the run early and turn them in to a one dimensional offense. If we can put them in long down and distance because of sacks and penalties we will win this matchup. However, If the Chargers get in short yardage, ( 2nd and 3 or 3rd and 2 ) it could get scary. Champ has to blanket wide reciever Vincent Jackson with deep help from the safties. It’s the other side of the field which has me most concerned, If Goodman doesn’t get in position, or learn how to tackle, he’s a highlight reel waiting to happen. Linebackers need to be able to shut down the run, contain Gates, and watch for short screens to LT and Sproles. If we can do that, the safties can play deep and not let anything get behind them. Also, Doom needs to have a big game ( 3 sacks ). If he and the D line can get into Rivers face it could turn into a blowout!
ST: field position, stay onside, don’t run into the kicker, contain Sproles! (I’m sure they already got an ear full on that! lol….)
I think both teams will come out ready to play and I am a little bit edgy about this one because the Chargers backs are against the wall. Still got to ride the perfect season though. Broncos pull this one out 31-27.
Regards
Coach
What a surprise? Pat Kirwan expects San Diego to win. He had a touch of logic, but that was just pointing out how SD makes 4th quarter comebacks. check out
http://milehighattack.blogspot.com/2009/10/broncos-chargers-preview.html. it’s not nearly as popular but still, facts.
marshallman-15, you matched my pick from a few posts above.
brian schneider, against the Cowboys, 17-10 win: Baylinorcrush had 16-10, one point off and Danso had 17-13, the two closest ones.
Last week against the Pats, 20-17 win: louisianabroncofan had 21-17 and D~J~C#24 had 20-16, both one point off.
Broncosfreak30 (17-14), Baylinorcrush (16-13) and Orange Crusher had the correct spread (3 points).
So no one has been dead on with the score yet, but valiant effort from the above. No one was real close on the first couple weeks.
Bottom line, don’t just copy my score because I’ve been close so far, right marshallman-15? LOL.
baylinorcrush- thanks for making us keep some integrity in our predictions.
I know that we can look at the statistical match-ups and make assumptions based on that. I lean more to the “any given Sunday” mentality. Both teams have a lot of talent, the team that has a better game plan and goes in with a bigger desire to win at all cost will come out as victor in the match up.
That, I think, we all would agree is going to be the Broncos. McDaniels has proven that he will prepare our team as best as possible to be ready for the opponent. And no matter what they say, the remaining ’08 Broncos on both sides of the ball remember very clearly what happened to them last time they went to Qualcomm Stadium. They will show up with Heart.
I give the San Diego ST an advantage, but think the Defense will hold them to field goals. I see us giving up one TD to 4th quarter passing by Rivers and one td early for Sproles. 23 points for San Diego and 27 for the Broncos.
Orange Crush the Smug, fake tanning, beach bumming, Chargerinnios!!!
I forgot the 23-3 Raider game win:
No one had it close scorewise other than TorainATV with 27-10, but Baylinorcrush was only one point off on the spread with 30-9 (21 points vs. 20).
Maybe now you can see why I’m having fun keeping score, LOL.
hometeam007, yours is the 16th pick I got for this week, good luck.