SoCal's Breakdown of Chargers Vs. Broncos

[Kaylore]

http://www.orangemane.com/article_380.php

SoCal’s Bronco Breakdown: San Diego comes to town
By SoCalBronco
Nov 16, 2006, 12:20

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In what may be the most anticipated game of the week, the 7-2 San Diego Chargers stroll into the Mile High city as confident as ever after making a statement last week in Cincinnati with a 49 point effort. The Chargers offense is as potent as ever, with key personnel QB Philip Rivers, RB LaDainian Tomlinson and TE Antonio Gates devouring defenses at will. The Broncos, also at 7-2, look to take sole possession of the AFC West after a lackluster win at Oakland.

BRONCOS DEFENSE VS. SAN DIEGO OFFENSE

1. Make the game all about McCardell and Floyd.

The defensive coordinator’s job, at any level of football, is to scheme away what the opponent does best, forcing them to win by using players and/or plays that they are not as comfortable with. Against San Diego, this maxim dictates that Larry Coyer and Co. should focus their resources on limiting the effectiveness of LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates.

This is accomplished by a more active use of the safeties. Instead of Denver’s traditional simple two and three deep zones, the Broncos need to use one safety to help a linebacker bracket Gates on the side he lines up on. The Broncos outside linebackers, Ian Gold and D.J. Williams, are both solid in coverage, but against a rare weapon like Gates, their effectiveness will be enhanced if they are only responsible for “half the man”, in other words, only inside breaking routes or outside breaking routes. The safety on the other side of the line of scrimmage should be used as an extra box defender giving Denver a numerical advantage against Tomlinson runs in most formations. That safety can also work in tandem on pass plays with the outside linebacker to his side in bracketing Tomlinson, also the team leader in receptions.

At times, this extra box defender can also be used as a blitzer to aid Denver’s sagging pass rush. This scheme accounts for San Diego’s outstanding halfback and tight end and the Broncos all-galaxy corner Champ Bailey should be able to shut down Eric Parker, who is currently San Diego’s third most productive target. Keenan McCardell and Malcolm Floyd, the 4rd and 5th options in San Diego’s passing game, will thereby be forced to be the difference makers, if San Diego is to succeed.



2. Take advantage of Nick Hardwick’s injury.

The Broncos are fortunate this week to be catching San Diego’s solid young center, Nick Hardwick at much less than 100% after sustaining a painful ankle injury against Cincinnati. The Broncos should utilize more inside loops and pinches this week forcing Hardwick to bear the brunt of the interior pass protection duty.

Also expect the Broncos to utilize more linebacker blitzes through the middle of the line to test Hardwick and force San Diego’s coaching staff to change up their pass protection schemes. Look for Demetrin Veal and rookie Antwon Burton to be featured in this arrangement as well as Elvis Dumervil looping in from the outside.


BRONCOS OFFENSE VS. SAN DIEGO DEFENSE

1. Air it out!

While the Broncos have struggled this season with their passing game, the San Diego secondary looks to be ripe for the picking. The Chargers back four has a combined 3 interceptions for the year to this point and Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer carved the unit up to the tune of 440 yards last week. The pass defense overall ranks a paltry 15th in the NFL in passing yards yielded and has posted below average numbers in the areas of opposing passing touchdowns, yards per attempt and overall quarterback rating.

Denver will benefit from the absence of pass rushing terror Shawne Merriman this week and therefore can afford to be less conservative in their pass protection schemes. Oakland was successful last week in rolling coverages to Javon Walker’s side of the field last week, limiting him to two (albeit big) receptions.

The Broncos must, therefore, dip into their encyclopedic playbook this week to find new ways to get him the ball. One simple way, without using different pass plays, is to employ a greater amount of motion, which will help confuse the defense’s adjustment to the constantly changing pre-snap formation.

2. Self scout the Cleveland game.

The Broncos have not played many pure 3-4 teams this season outside of the Cleveland Browns. While putting together their offensive gameplan, Denver should pay close attention to the tendencies they displayed in the Cleveland game, as San Diego will closely study that game for hints at what Shanahan may do against a pure 3-4 with his 2006 array of personnel.

If Denver is going to follow some of the same play calls, they need to at least change formations. Conversely, when they intend to use some of the same formations they used against Cleveland’s 3-4, they should change up some of the plays utilized from those formations, so as to avoid becoming predictable against the pure 3-4.

[Kaylore]

Good stuff. I heard somewhere that Bailey was going to struggle against Parker. I thought that was really funny. Bailey is better this year than he was last year.

Floyd isn't too shabby, but he's not Reggie Wayne and one of things that I noticed from last game is that Darrent is starting to defend the comeback route. It only took every team in the NFL exploiting him with it, but he's breaking on the ball. In a weird, sick way, the fact that other teams keep using it on him has given him a lot of reps and he's improved since the Colts game.

I'm a little miffed that SoCal didn't give his opinion of Nate Webster since he'll be in there instead of Gold - I mean he's a freaking Hurricane! Come ON! ;)

[Northman]

I think Rivers will have a good day at least at short range passes. He is a very accurate Qb. But, he does have weaknessess at WR as they are not true playmakers like the ones we faced from Pitt and Indy. Our main goal will be to stop LT and force San Diego to become one dimensional.

[watermock]

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/ATA/24818BP~The-Simpsons-Nelson-Haha-Posters.jpg

[fontaine]

Broncos offense:

The best way to help out our defense at home is to sustain long drives early, and thus keep the high powered SD offense, off the field.

The key is going to be gaining rushing yards on 1st/2nd downs. I'm not sure if Castillo is starting for SD. If he is he'll still won't be 100% and if he's not there all the better because he's their 2nd best DL behind Jamal Williams. Even then SD is giving up 4.1 yards a carry and 6 TDs on the ground so we will have some success on the ground as long as our OL can play well.

If our running game can pick up 3/4 yards a carry early on then it puts Jake and the offense in 3rd and short situations which is where we want to be. And this is where we NEED to exploit our TE matchups. SD is average defending against TEs so on 3rd and short we need to go to our big body TEs who showed up against Oakland. Those are high percentage passes and if we make enough of them then it will bait the SD pass defense into getting tighter on the TEs in the middle and short routes which might open up things for Walker up top.

[crazyhorse]

The Broncos stand to be exposed in this game. There is really no area where the Broncos are the better team. The Chargers are better on offense and defense. Not sure about the special teams.

One advantage is Invesco field. If the Broncos can generate some offense they stand a chance of winning. If not, the chances are slim.

[OrangeShadow]

There is really no area where the Broncos are the better team

except for, linebackers
wide recievers
corners
coaching

your talking out your ass on that one.

[crazyhorse]

except for, linebackers
wide recievers
corners
coaching

your talking out your ass on that one.

I should have stressed the word team. I believe the Chargers are better on team defense and team offense. It would be foolish to claim that they were better at every single position.

So you're saying that the passing game for Denver is better than SDs?

IMO, you only have one good corner.

You do however have better LBers. Whatever that's worth.

[fontaine]

I can't stress enough how important our rushing offense is going to be in this game.

I know Plummer is catching a lot of heat because of his erratic play, and he doesn't get a free pass but we all know what he is. He's not a QB that is going to consistently win games without a running game, just like most QBs.

The challenge has been made. Our running game has been poor for two games now, this is a key game for the battle of the AFC West, and the alarm bells have been ringing regarding the rushing offense.

Even though we're missing Lepsis, Foster has been benched and Bell is injured, we still need to win this game on the ground because we can't go toe to toe in a scoring frenzy against the top offense in the league. Bobby Turner is going to have to burn the midnite oil to make this work.

[OrangeShadow]

I should have stressed the word team. I believe the Chargers are better on team defense and team offense. It would be foolish to claim that they were better at every single position.

So you're saying that the passing game for Denver is better than SDs?

IMO, you only have one good corner.

You do however have better LBers. Whatever that's worth.

I didnt say anything about the passing game as a whole,i said wide recievers. Do you really think that i meant plummer is better than rivers? Darrent williams is definatly GOOD not great but hes good,and good enough to stop SD's subpar wideouts. And our LBs are far superior.

[Mile High Shack]

The Broncos stand to be exposed in this game. There is really no area where the Broncos are the better team. The Chargers are better on offense and defense. Not sure about the special teams.

One advantage is Invesco field. If the Broncos can generate some offense they stand a chance of winning. If not, the chances are slim.

yeah except for:

coaching
offensive line
linebackers
secondary
wide receivers

but I see what you mean, I mean if the mighty crazyhorse picked against us, who are we to go against that, with all your amazing football knowledge you have shown in the past.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Good stuff SoCal. Gonna need to get something out of the running game and continue the trend of stopping LT.

[ludo21]

Great stuff SoCAl.

Im getting more and more pumped for this one. Its obvious no one is taking us in this one, but somehow we are 7-2 and have beaten better teams than SD.

No respect. Who needs it.

[crazyhorse]

yeah except for:

coaching
offensive line
linebackers
secondary
wide receivers

but I see what you mean, I mean if the mighty crazyhorse picked against us, who are we to go against that, with all your amazing football knowledge you have shown in the past.


Refer to post 9.

Thank you for the "Mighty" reference though. I want you to know I would never use my physical prowess to intimidate you, or dominate you. I have a lot of respect for my dinimutive brothers.

[400HZ]

I'm not sure if Castillo is starting for SD. If he is he'll still won't be 100% and if he's not there all the better because he's their 2nd best DL behind Jamal Williams

Castillo will be out. Jamal suffered a toe injury last game, but will be playing. Our other DE, Olshansky, will be playing his second full game back after knee surgury. Unfortunately for us, you will be playing against a very battered defense. Merriman will also be out, of course, and OLB #2 Shaun Phillips is on his second game back after straining a calf muscle.

[boltaneer]

Floyd isn't too shabby, but he's not Reggie Wayne and one of things that I noticed from last game is that Darrent is starting to defend the comeback route. It only took every team in the NFL exploiting him with it, but he's breaking on the ball. In a weird, sick way, the fact that other teams keep using it on him has given him a lot of reps and he's improved since the Colts game.


The big thing Denver has to watch concerning Floyd is that Rivers loves to do the pump and go bomb with Floyd. All three of his touchdown receptions have come this way.

If Parker can't play, that's going to hurt a lot. Floyd is not nearly as polished as Parker in running routes and making clutch catches. He and Vincent Jackson will probably split time and Jackson has been disappointing this year and has been fairly invisible.

[Kaylore]

The big thing Denver has to watch concerning Floyd is that Rivers loves to do the pump and go bomb with Floyd. All three of his touchdown receptions have come this way.

If Parker can't play, that's going to hurt a lot. Floyd is not nearly as polished as Parker in running routes and making clutch catches. He and Vincent Jackson will probably split time and Jackson has been disappointing this year and has been fairly invisible.

The bump and bomb is one pass play we're pretty good at defending. We don't bite on pumps.

[boltaneer]

The bump and bomb is one pass play we're pretty good at defending. We don't bite on pumps.

I think San Diego will try it once at some point in the game. I'm curious if they will try to switch it up a little and try it with Jackson since they might be expecting it with Floyd.

It would be extremely gutsy to do it to Bailey. I think that would really get the confidence level high for the Chargers but mostly likey they'll try to pick on Williams, like Peyton did.

[Northman]

The big thing Denver has to watch concerning Floyd is that Rivers loves to do the pump and go bomb with Floyd. All three of his touchdown receptions have come this way.

If Parker can't play, that's going to hurt a lot. Floyd is not nearly as polished as Parker in running routes and making clutch catches. He and Vincent Jackson will probably split time and Jackson has been disappointing this year and has been fairly invisible.



I still like that kid Jackson.

[Kaylore]

It would be extremely gutsy to do it to Bailey. I think that would really get the confidence level high for the Chargers but mostly likey they'll try to pick on Williams, like Peyton did.

It would be extremely stupid. And it wouldn't raise your confidence level because you'd be picked off. No one has beat Champ with pump and go all year, and they've all tried.

[Phantom]

Run the ball, stop the run, win the turnover battle = the winner.

Broncos 24 - Chargers 17

[boltaneer]

Run the ball, stop the run, win the turnover battle = the winner.

Broncos 24 - Chargers 17

Now you're just talking like Marty. ;)

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Only All-Galaxy? Ty Law is ALL-UNIVERSE!

[Shamrock]

2. Self scout the Cleveland game.

The Broncos have not played many pure 3-4 teams this season outside of the Cleveland Browns. While putting together their offensive gameplan, Denver should pay close attention to the tendencies they displayed in the Cleveland game, as San Diego will closely study that game for hints at what Shanahan may do against a pure 3-4 with his 2006 array of personnel.

If Denver is going to follow some of the same play calls, they need to at least change formations. Conversely, when they intend to use some of the same formations they used against Cleveland’s 3-4, they should change up some of the plays utilized from those formations, so as to avoid becoming predictable against the pure 3-4.

That's humorous.

The Chargers 3-4 is different than the Parcells/Bellichick and Steelers 3-4.

Wade Phillips uses a one-gap 3-4, vs the traditional two-gap 3-4. It's a hybrid system.

Study Cleveland all you want, there is very little similarities to find.

Kirwan - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9718087)

Wade Phillips, San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator: Phillips has been coaching in the NFL for 30 years. He's been a head coach in this league in four different cities and he plays a unique version of the 3-4 defense.


Chargers DE, Igor Olshansky, was interviewed on Movin' the Chains - Sirius NFL Radio, and told Pat Kirwan that Wade Phillips defense is a one-gap system.

Look at the tape, and you can see it ..... if you Donk fans know what to look for...... :welcome:

[Bob's your Information Minister]

The pass defense overall ranks a paltry 15th in the NFL in passing yards yielded


Wow. 15th. That's horrible compared to Denver's 27th ranking.

[Kaylore]

That's humorous.

The Chargers 3-4 is different than the Parcells/Bellichick and Steelers 3-4.

Wade Phillips uses a one-gap 3-4, vs the traditional two-gap 3-4. It's a hybrid system.

Study Cleveland all you want, there is very little similarities to find.

Kirwan - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9718087)




Chargers DE, Igor Olshansky, was interviewed on Movin' the Chains - Sirius NFL Radio, and told Pat Kirwan that Wade Phillips defense is a one-gap system.

Look at the tape, and you can see it ..... if you Donk fans know what to look for...... :welcome:
Golly. Guess that film on our one Browns game in four years won't be any good and we'll have use the film from our two games with the Chargers every season and all the film from this season instead. I don't know how we'll ever cope? I wonder if they even bothered looking at tape at Dove Valley earlier this week? I mean if we can't look at the Browns tape, what good is reviewing any tape? Oh cruel, cruel world....

[Xenos]

I still like that kid Jackson.

And he's fine. It's just he's being used more in running plays than passing. Some of LT's bigger runs were because of Jackson. I wish Marty would let him get involved in more passing plays though. He's got good speed and strength.

[When Lightning Strikes]

Ive said this 25 times...its going to be a great game. The only thing that worries me is that we have a battered defense....2nd stringers and hurt first stringers...its gonna be tough..

not to mention Invesco Field is the only stadium in the world that they have to put the football on an oxygen mask. so our defense will be winded...the key is 3 and out for our D.

Dont count on shutting LT down this game...
there are too many weapons this year...you guys say that we dont have any superstars on the WR side of our offense, well, you are right...but we have such a strong WR team...if Vincent Jackson doesnt get ya, than Keenan will and if he doesnt watch out for Floyd...Better pray that Eric Parker is out..and you all know that Gates might as well be a WR and same with LT and LoNeal. just watch out cuz Phillip is gonna rip your D apart...cuz i dont think Chump Bailey can cover them all...

[BlaK-Argentina]

D-Will and Foxworth are more than capable of covering SD's WR's in my opinion.

I'm calling a Champ pick in this game. Oskie?

[When Lightning Strikes]

Chump Bulley just might get an INT, but remember phillip has only thrown 3 of them this year...

Plummer throws 3 a game...so im calling at least 2 INT's for SD...Im predicting Marlon and Jammer...1 each...

it would be awsome for shaun to get one too...

Go CHARGERS!!!

[jutang]

Somehow I think Bailey is going to see alot of action. An experienced QB like Manning is never going to test Bailey often. He might get a completion here or there but if you test too many times Bailey will burn you. Same happened to Brady. After his experience in the playoffs, he didn't even bother to look towards Bailey's side this year. Rivers' however is inexperienced and has yet to be burned by Bailey... that should change sometime in the first half.

[When Lightning Strikes]

I bet Phillip will test Chump...and if he gets burnt...i can guarantee that Cam Cameron will not be calling any more plays to Chumps side...

[theAPAOps5]

This game is so full of grey. Both teams are missing important starters. Denver has beat strong teams and barely beat or have lost to mediocre teams. Unfortunately neither has the benefit of a mid-season bye. I really think that this will be the same as almost every season a split. This game has to be bigger for Denver than the Indy game. They lose control over the West and are chasing a team that has a schedule that sets up nicely for them.

[BigBad]

When teams are considered this close it usually comes down to the QB's playmaking abilities.

I like our chances.

[theAPAOps5]

When teams are considered this close it usually comes down to the QB's playmaking abilities.

I like our chances.

Yeah and I like ours because our Defense makes plays. Now Boob will come in here and quote all these stats. But our Defense stops the QB when most important. Of course Manning being the exception and Rivers is no Manning.

Jake will make his plays especially against your CBs. Jammer will be in for a long day.... ;D

[BigBad]

The one thing that always scares me with you guys is your running game. This year it doesnt scare me. Plummer is going to HAVE to throw more this game. That is good news for us.

We WILL get at least 25 pts. Im not sure your offense is capable of more than that.

[Shamrock]

Golly. Guess that film on our one Browns game in four years won't be any good and we'll have use the film from our two games with the Chargers every season and all the film from this season instead. I don't know how we'll ever cope? I wonder if they even bothered looking at tape at Dove Valley earlier this week? I mean if we can't look at the Browns tape, what good is reviewing any tape? Oh cruel, cruel world....


Your fans brought up the Cleveland example, not me.

Maybe Donkey fans should buy Football for Dummies, and start your education.

[theAPAOps5]

Your fans brought up the Cleveland example, not me.

Maybe Donkey fans should buy Football for Dummies, and start your education.

Why would we buy something written by Marty. We have seen our team go to and win a SB, twice. I think we know football. You guys, well you know what its like to choke. Just make sure you come back here and take your licks after the game. I doubt you will though you seem like one of those who runs his mouth and disappears when his team loses.

[SoCalBronco]

I'm a little miffed that SoCal didn't give his opinion of Nate Webster since he'll be in there instead of Gold - I mean he's a freaking Hurricane! Come ON! ;)

Nate's only played a game so I haven't really had enough time to look at him. He was ok last week I thought, but just ok.

Is he starting again this week? I thought Ian practiced today and is still listed as questionable.

[theAPAOps5]

The one thing that always scares me with you guys is your running game. This year it doesnt scare me. Plummer is going to HAVE to throw more this game. That is good news for us.

We WILL get at least 25 pts. Im not sure your offense is capable of more than that.

What will be your excuse when the running game own you guys. Oh will it be the roid master being gone or Castillo being hurt. 25 by a rook with no WRs, yeah nice try. I understand though you have beaten up on 7 teams who suck. Its easy to convince yourself that your team is a juggernaut. You guys will never be a Denver, an Indy, or a New England. So ride your bandwagon like all SD Fans do and then when reality steps in jump right off like the true fans you guys are.

[theAPAOps5]

Nate's only played a game so I haven't really had enough time to look at him. He was ok last week I thought, but just ok.

Is he starting again this week? I thought Ian practiced today and is still listed as questionable.

Ian practices but missed most of the week. Its a good bet Webster starts again.

[Kaylore]

Nate's only played a game so I haven't really had enough time to look at him. He was ok last week I thought, but just ok.

Is he starting again this week? I thought Ian practiced today and is still listed as questionable.

Nope, it's a moot point since Shanahan announced that Ian will start this week. I just was curious of your opinion on Nate since he got his first real experience as a Bronco.

[Jetmeck]

The Broncos stand to be exposed in this game. There is really no area where the Broncos are the better team. The Chargers are better on offense and defense. Not sure about the special teams.

One advantage is Invesco field. If the Broncos can generate some offense they stand a chance of winning. If not, the chances are slim.

As usual you have your facts wrong. Before passing the AFC WEST torch to the Chuggers you might want to look at who they have played and take note they have lost to
every team with a winning record. They have beat up on some very bad teams and didn't look very good at
ARROWHEAD against your defense.

If the Chefs can beat them we sure as hell can. Before you start telling me about your pass rush that we don't have.......we are close to even and maybe a couple ahead of the Chiefs in sacks. On total defense we are ahead of the Chiefs.

There is absolutely no reason if the Chiefs beat them at home we won't............except your wishful thinking.

The Broncs and Chefs are within one spot of one another in total offense which also says if you can do it we can.

[Jetmeck]

Castillo will be out. Jamal suffered a toe injury last game, but will be playing. Our other DE, Olshansky, will be playing his second full game back after knee surgury. Unfortunately for us, you will be playing against a very battered defense. Merriman will also be out, of course, and OLB #2 Shaun Phillips is on his second game back after straining a calf muscle.


It would be nice to have all our weapons too.

[boltaneer]

The one thing that always scares me with you guys is your running game. This year it doesnt scare me. Plummer is going to HAVE to throw more this game. That is good news for us.

I'm not so sure about the run game. San Diego hasn't had the same stout run defense since Merriman and Castillo have been out and the other injuries. If they're smart, they'll run at Carlos Polk all game long.

The good news for San Diego is that Denver's running backs are banged up so it may even out.

[boltaneer]

As usual you have your facts wrong. Before passing the AFC WEST torch to the Chuggers you might want to look at who they have played and take note they have lost to
every team with a winning record. They have beat up on some very bad teams and didn't look very good at
ARROWHEAD against your defense.

If the Chefs can beat them we sure as hell can. Before you start telling me about your pass rush that we don't have.......we are close to even and maybe a couple ahead of the Chiefs in sacks. On total defense we are ahead of the Chiefs.

There is absolutely no reason if the Chiefs beat them at home we won't............except your wishful thinking.

The Broncs and Chefs are within one spot of one another in total offense which also says if you can do it we can.

The one thing about the Chiefs that is overlooked is that Denver was very fortunate to face Huard when he was just first getting his feet wet. I understand why Herm Edwards played that game cautiously but in hindsight that turned out be a big mistake because Huard has shown everyone that he can play.

Huard has come down to earth a little bit but he's been playing pretty much lights out the entire season and San Diego happened to be caught in the middle of that.

I'm curious as to what the outcomes would have been had San Diego and Denver had those Chief games swapped.

[crazyhorse]

As usual you have your facts wrong. Before passing the AFC WEST torch to the Chuggers you might want to look at who they have played and take note they have lost to
every team with a winning record. They have beat up on some very bad teams and didn't look very good at
ARROWHEAD against your defense.

If the Chefs can beat them we sure as hell can. Before you start telling me about your pass rush that we don't have.......we are close to even and maybe a couple ahead of the Chiefs in sacks. On total defense we are ahead of the Chiefs.

There is absolutely no reason if the Chiefs beat them at home we won't............except your wishful thinking.

The Broncs and Chefs are within one spot of one another in total offense which also says if you can do it we can.

Not wishful thinking. I could care less who wins this game. I care more who wins next week. However, as most Bronco fans do, you've forgotten about a little thing called offense. Yeah, that's why we won the game. We played decent on defense, and better than average on offense.

IMO the reason Denver stand a good chance of losing this game is not because they don't have a decent defense, but because they haven't been scoring points.

BTW, we are within one on total defense. Denver #13 KC #14. Whatever that's worth.

However, KC is #17 and Denver #19 in total offense. It's you that doesn't have thier facts straight. That said, I don't feel your statistics tell the whole story. I am basing my opinion on actually watching the games and trusting what I see.

Finally, as I stated before. I could care less who wins. The loser will still have to face KC at some point. KC taking care of whoever loses is the most important. That is the only wishful thinking on my part.

As for my facts, they are correct.

[watermock]

After all this jawing, it's going to simply come down to whether Good Jake or Bad Jake shows up Sunday night. It's that much of a toss-up game.

Both teams are banged up. The missing Roidinator is huge considering another Sandy Eggo DL is out as well.

The Indy game was dissapointing. This game is almost a must win for the division. Winner goes into the drivers seat. The best Denver can hope for realistically at this point is the #2 seed with a win, and a wild card with a loss. IMO, it's that big of a game since it's at home.

If we drop this one, we do get a late rematch in Sunny Sandy Eggo late and have historically played well in that stadium.

[OrangeShadow]

I think it comes down to us being at home and having shanahan on our sideline. I know one thing, sunday night cant get here fast enough.

[watermock]

Maybe we should hold an all night vigil to exorcise Bad Jake.

[eddie mac]

Only idiots on ESPN/NFL.com use those yardage given up stats to measure the quality of a defense.

Anyone with a brain measures it via points conceded or redzone defense. Stopping teams from getting 6 when they drive the ball 60 plus yards everytime. IMO our D is one of the best in the NFL when you use those measurables. How many points have we conceded this season? 111 in 9 games which is an average of 12.3 pts per game.

We aren't pretty, we dont light the scoreboard up, we dont have many star players but our team can do enough to win games most Sundays. That's enough for me and with Shanahan on the sidelines I dont give a crap who's playing in Orange and Blue because they still have a chance to win any game. Oh and by the way when's the last time San Diego came into our house and didn't go home with their tails between their legs.

[When Lightning Strikes]

any given sunday guys...
throw all the stat books away, its all about what team wants it more...

[azbroncfan]

Ive said this 25 times...its going to be a great game. The only thing that worries me is that we have a battered defense....2nd stringers and hurt first stringers...its gonna be tough..

not to mention Invesco Field is the only stadium in the world that they have to put the football on an oxygen mask. so our defense will be winded...the key is 3 and out for our D.

Dont count on shutting LT down this game...
there are too many weapons this year...you guys say that we dont have any superstars on the WR side of our offense, well, you are right...but we have such a strong WR team...if Vincent Jackson doesnt get ya, than Keenan will and if he doesnt watch out for Floyd...Better pray that Eric Parker is out..and you all know that Gates might as well be a WR and same with LT and LoNeal. just watch out cuz Phillip is gonna rip your D apart...cuz i dont think Chump Bailey can cover them all...

Lets make this clear, as good as Rivers has played he isn't the same as manning right now. SD is LT first Pass 2nd unlike the Colts where manning is the main guy with deadly weapons. SD recievers might not even be a 3rd WR in INDY except for Gates. This is the same team as last year except Rivers is a little hotter than Brees was last year. SD fans act like Brees was a bust but that couldn't be farther from the truth. SD had same starting WR last year and Keenan is a year older. As long as LT doesn't go off Denver has a great chance at this game. Using SD fan logic where they say they are due for a win in Denver, Rivers is due for a 3 pick game.

[BigBad]

SD fans act like Brees was a bust but that couldn't be farther from the truth.

Not a bust, he just had MAJOR limitations. You guys exploited them almost every time. Go back and look at Brees vs. good defenses, he always lost.

[azbroncfan]

Not a bust, he just had MAJOR limitations. You guys exploited them almost every time. Go back and look at Brees vs. good defenses, he always lost.


That's why most SD fans were upset when he was let go. The way I meant to say it was you guys all loved him and wanted to keep him then as soon as he was gone you guys were pissed then suddenly he had a lot of limitations.

[Jetmeck]

Not a bust, he just had MAJOR limitations. You guys exploited them almost every time. Go back and look at Brees vs. good defenses, he always lost.

Major limitations.....interesting statement considering he LEADS THE LEAGUE in passing yards !

Brees lost against good defenses ? Yet this year Rivers and your Chuggers have lost to the only winning teams THEY HAVE PLAYED SO FAR.

Let's be realistic at best you are even in terms of QB talent and everything else is about the same also.

We own SD at OUR HOUSE..........GET READY FOR YOUR THIRD LOSS.

[SprintRightOption]

This is a quote from alien-looking John Clayton in his 1st and 10 column, a noted Bronco disparager:

"
As expected, the Chargers and Broncos are in a dogfight that should last until the end of the season. The Chargers won the division in 2004 but fell short of the playoffs last year because of one of the league's toughest schedules. This season, the schedule is significantly easier and the Chargers are in a dead heat with the Broncos at 7-2.
The first battle between the two is Sunday night in Denver, with a rematch scheduled Dec. 10 in San Diego. There is some predictability to this series (the home team usually wins) and the way the games are played. The Broncos have won the past six games in Denver while the Chargers have won four of the last five in San Diego."

The first paragraph makes an excuse for the chargers, mentions their 2004 Division title, but says nothing of the Broncos last year.

The next paragraph is dead wrong, talking about usual home team winners. The Chargers are 0-5 in Invesco, won one game in 1999 and are 1-10 in Denver in the Shanahan era. The Chargers have not won 4 of 5 at home, they have won 3 of 5 if you spin it absolutely as good as you can. The have also lost the last one, 2 of 3, and 6 of 9 in San Diego. Plummer is 5-1 against the Chargers, and Clayton is trying to talk about his usual loss every year? WRONG.

The Bolts have not swept us since 1982, but we have swept them in 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1997 just recently, with many other since 1982.

[BigBad]

Let's be realistic at best you are even in terms of QB talent and everything else is about the same also.



Ill chalk you up as another guy who will be shocked how much better Rivers is compared to Brees.

Brees is the ultimate GAME MANAGER, Rivers is a DIFFERENCE MAKER!

I'll be back on here Sunday night to say "I told you so!":welcome:

[azbroncfan]

Ill chalk you up as another guy who will be shocked how much better Rivers is compared to Brees.

Brees is the ultimate GAME MANAGER, Rivers is a DIFFERENCE MAKER!
to say
I'll be back on here Sunday night "I told you so!":welcome:

Only if SD wins. You won;t be back if they lose, I know how to read fairweather Raider fans when I see them.

[Jetmeck]

.

BTW, we are within one on total defense. Denver #13 KC #14. Whatever that's worth.

However, KC is #17 and Denver #19 in total offense. It's you that doesn't have thier facts straight. That said, I don't feel your statistics tell the whole story. I am basing my opinion on actually watching the games and trusting what I see.

As for my facts, they are correct.

As I said within one from each other BOZO. Your basing your opinion on HOMERVISION.

[theAPAOps5]

Ill chalk you up as another guy who will be shocked how much better Rivers is compared to Brees.

Brees is the ultimate GAME MANAGER, Rivers is a DIFFERENCE MAKER!

I'll be back on here Sunday night to say "I told you so!":welcome:

You won't be back. You have run your mouth too much this last week to return if your team loses. The only time you return is in December to run your mouth again. That will happen win or lose tomorrow, you will have excuses for a loss or for why you guys didn't win better. See you in a few weeks

[BigBad]

I will be back. I am NOT fairweather.

My best friend is a BIG bronco fan. I am not scared of taking a ribbing over Charger losses to the Broncos.

[theAPAOps5]

Good because most here will be the first to acknowledge when we get beat. I just hope it is on the level of todays college game!

[BigBad]

Im expecting a close one. We will see.

In all reality Im nervous. Why shouldnt I be? We NEVER win in Denver. I pretty much chalk up the game as a loss every year. If we win it is a big bonus, HUGE this year.

If you guys win tomorrow, next week will be BIGGER for you because you have to TRAVEL to K.C. while we HOST the hapless Raiders. So we could be tied once agin with you guys still having to visit.

[theAPAOps5]

Seriously, it comes down to this weekend. Denver loses and they are pretty much going into the playoffs as a wild card. Our schedule just doesn't set up for us to recoup a loss. I think this game is so emotional that Thursday night will be a typical road trip to KC. Then we have to go to your house later on. You guys have cruise control pretty much the rest of the year. Tomorrow is huge and I am just as nervous.

[BigBad]

Good Luck....just not too much.

[theAPAOps5]

Same to your team, break a leg.... literally :)

[BigBad]

Better not be a cheap, dirty block like you guys are notorious for!:pfbbt:

[BigBad]

Check this out. http://www.longmontfyi.com/sports-story.asp?id=11260

I know you are probably tired of hearing me say this. Rivers is the difference this year.

[theAPAOps5]

Rivers may be the difference but that means the score is closer. I don't think he alone can win. Your defense is missing their best LB :cough: cheater, and second best DL. Rivers will watch a lot of Mannings tape against DWilliams and think he can do the same thing. Rivers is no Manning... yet. The kid is good I am not taking anything away from him . He just doesn't have the talent at WR, plus the talent guys are dinged up too. LT will face a fast Defense, he will run to the side and find a fast D can catch up. Denver runs to the ball they are pretty damn quick. It really comes down to the SD Defense stopping Denvers Offense. I don't think they can stop the WRs we have, specifically the beast Walker. If they do I don't see them stopping the TEs who will be checked down to.

Again we get a home win you get a home win, it comes down to the last few weeks. And don't worry cut blocks don't break legs, thats why they are still legal.

[crazyhorse]

As I said within one from each other BOZO. Your basing your opinion on HOMERVISION.


You said that we were within one on offense. You were incorrect, again.

As for the Homervision comment....this just in....Im not a Chargers fan.

[watermock]

Not a bust, he just had MAJOR limitations. You guys exploited them almost every time. Go back and look at Brees vs. good defenses, he always lost.

IMO, Breeze was let go for a two fold reason. First, you simply can't fit a tagged player and another QB who has allready cashed his SB check under the cap. It's basically the same situation here. We can't afford Jake next year and give Walker his option bonus, which he obviously has earned. He's having an all pro season IMO. Prolly the second most valuable player on the team, that has several outstanding players, but still some holes...like RDE...

Second is that Breezy had a busted shoulder, and you never know how a player is going to respond to treatment both physically and mentally.

I would of been nice to pull a Bailey and get something for Breezy, but he was damaged goods. I don't think he was tradeable with the bad wing. I don't know if it was his throwing shoulder.

I'll say this much...some all star game I saw Rivers just awesome despite that ugly delivery. We have a pretty boy with an awesome release point...NANANANANANA! Ha! He's still unproven.

Hopefully, Good Jake shows up for us and Bad Jake is left in the closet. LOCKED UP AND CHAINED.

Tell ya what...we will send Jake and a 3rd for the Roidinator.

[RMANCIL]

The Broncos will try and run against the Chargers and will attack the Charger safety's. The Charger LB group has been hurt due to injuries. If the Broncos can win the top battle and the TO war then they should hold serve. The Bolts deep backs had a terrible game vs the Bengals and you can bet that Denver will try and put them into similar situations.

The Chargers offense is much better than the Broncos. Phillip Rivers is having a dream season and has shown that he is cool under fire. He has a ton of weapons on offense.

Tomlinson is the best RB in football , he can beat a team not only as a runner but he is also a real receiver. The Chargers hope to get him matched up in one on one coverage with any LB. Thee Chargers also feature Micheal Turner who is a huge brushing speed merchant back that gives the Chargers a added dimension in the run game.

Expect the Broncos to commit to stop the Charger run game.

The Chargers have perhaps the best TE in football in Antiono Gates , his size speed combination guarantees a miss match with LB ,CB or safety's. He owns the middle of the field.

Expect the Broncos to bracket him with combinations of LB , cb , Safety's in a attempt to limit his effectiveness.

Bronco CB in man coverage vs Charger WR

Most likely this will hold the key to this game. Champ Bailey is one of the best CB in the league and he should limit McCardell who should be the Chargers primary med receiver. The Chargers prefer a short to med passing attack to limit pressure on Rivers. Bailey will disrespect McCardells long game and dare him to try and beat him deep while sitting on the short stuff.

However the Bolts will counter with three wr sets and double TE or Elephant sets and will bring in Turner to play RB and slide Tomlinson out to wr forcing the Broncos to make a choice in coverage.

The Bolts will see single coverage on Tomlinson , Floyd , Jackson and should exploit those mismatches as the size of Jackson and Floyd 6"5" and over 225 won't create favorable match ups for the smaller Denver CB. Tomlinson will out run any LB in coverage and is to strong after the catch for CB to deal with.

Expect a chess match with the Charger offense and the Denver defense.

Look for Denver's offense to do a lot more damage vs the Charger injury ravaged defense. How long the Bronco offense can hold the ball could be the final key to this game.

Chargers 28 Donks 24

[Jetmeck]

You said that we were within one on offense. You were incorrect, again.

As for the Homervision comment....this just in....Im not a Chargers fan.

Yes again for you slow Chef fans I said we were within one
spot of one another. What part of that don't you get.

I realize your not a Chugger fan, your worse..... a Chef fan.

And you WERE trying to insinuate that we are less a team
than the Chefs and would lose at home to the Chuggers when your team beat them at home. All the while stastically both teams are basically ranked about even
so CLEARLY you were wishful thinking. HOMER

Go over to Craplanet and start a couple threads, you'll feel better cause someone might agree with you.

[Jetmeck]

The Broncos will try and run against the Chargers and will attack the Charger safety's. The Charger LB group has been hurt due to injuries. If the Broncos can win the top battle and the TO war then they should hold serve. The Bolts deep backs had a terrible game vs the Bengals and you can bet that Denver will try and put them into similar situations.

The Chargers offense is much better than the Broncos. Phillip Rivers is having a dream season and has shown that he is cool under fire. He has a ton of weapons on offense.

Tomlinson is the best RB in football , he can beat a team not only as a runner but he is also a real receiver. The Chargers hope to get him matched up in one on one coverage with any LB. Thee Chargers also feature Micheal Turner who is a huge brushing speed merchant back that gives the Chargers a added dimension in the run game.

Expect the Broncos to commit to stop the Charger run game.

The Chargers have perhaps the best TE in football in Antiono Gates , his size speed combination guarantees a miss match with LB ,CB or safety's. He owns the middle of the field.

Expect the Broncos to bracket him with combinations of LB , cb , Safety's in a attempt to limit his effectiveness.

Bronco CB in man coverage vs Charger WR

Most likely this will hold the key to this game. Champ Bailey is one of the best CB in the league and he should limit McCardell who should be the Chargers primary med receiver. The Chargers prefer a short to med passing attack to limit pressure on Rivers. Bailey will disrespect McCardells long game and dare him to try and beat him deep while sitting on the short stuff.

However the Bolts will counter with three wr sets and double TE or Elephant sets and will bring in Turner to play RB and slide Tomlinson out to wr forcing the Broncos to make a choice in coverage.

The Bolts will see single coverage on Tomlinson , Floyd , Jackson and should exploit those mismatches as the size of Jackson and Floyd 6"5" and over 225 won't create favorable match ups for the smaller Denver CB. Tomlinson will out run any LB in coverage and is to strong after the catch for CB to deal with.

Expect a chess match with the Charger offense and the Denver defense.

Look for Denver's offense to do a lot more damage vs the Charger injury ravaged defense. How long the Bronco offense can hold the ball could be the final key to this game.

Chargers 28 Donks 24



You clearly haven't watched many SD/DEN games especially at DEN. LT has averaged 58 yards a game at Denver and Gates has been handled as well. Homer on.

[crazyhorse]

Yes again for you slow Chef fans I said we were within one
spot of one another on offense which was an incorrect stamement and I want to thank you for correcting me. What part of that don't you get.

I realize your not a Chugger fan, your worse..... a Chef fan.

And you WERE trying to insinuate that we are less a team
than the Chefs and would lose at home to the Chuggers when your team beat them at home. All the while stastically both teams are basically ranked about even
so CLEARLY you were wishful thinking. HOMER

Go over to Craplanet and start a couple threads, you'll feel better cause someone might agree with you.

There are people right here that agree with me. Including you.

Just because you captalize the word "clearly" doesn't mean you can read my intention, or insinuation. I think you should just drop back 10 and punt.

For the record, I am a Homer. I hope you didn't mean that in a derogatory way. But I must ask, in what way is predicting a SD win a homer prediction? Me being a Chiefs fand and all.

BTW I fixed your post.

[RMANCIL]

You clearly haven't watched many SD/DEN games especially at DEN. LT has averaged 58 yards a game at Denver and Gates has been handled as well. Homer on.

I have watched a few probably more than you. The Broncos will look to stop LT and yes they have held him in check in the past. The Broncos have committed to 8 and 9 in the box while doubling Gates which leaves the wr match up along with LT the WR as being key issues for the Bronco's.

Read the entire post.

[broncofan2438]

GO BRONCOS. All you out there who dont like the Broncos, Well screw you

[theAPAOps5]

I have watched a few probably more than you. The Broncos will look to stop LT and yes they have held him in check in the past. The Broncos have committed to 8 and 9 in the box while doubling Gates which leaves the wr match up along with LT the WR as being key issues for the Bronco's.

Read the entire post.

Yeah you do know the Broncos. We are funneling the play to the CBs our strenghts, even Dwill who is better than people think

[Arkie]

Ill chalk you up as another guy who will be shocked how much better Rivers is compared to Brees.

Brees is the ultimate GAME MANAGER, Rivers is a DIFFERENCE MAKER!

I'll be back on here Sunday night to say "I told you so!":welcome:

Brees threw a deep ball into triple coverage off the flea flicker. That wasn't very good management even though he got lucky and made a huge difference!:welcome:

[RMANCIL]

The Broncos will try and run against the Chargers and will attack the Charger safety's. The Charger LB group has been hurt due to injuries. If the Broncos can win the top battle and the TO war then they should hold serve. The Bolts deep backs had a terrible game vs the Bengals and you can bet that Denver will try and put them into similar situations.

The Chargers offense is much better than the Broncos. Phillip Rivers is having a dream season and has shown that he is cool under fire. He has a ton of weapons on offense.

Tomlinson is the best RB in football , he can beat a team not only as a runner but he is also a real receiver. The Chargers hope to get him matched up in one on one coverage with any LB. Thee Chargers also feature Micheal Turner who is a huge brushing speed merchant back that gives the Chargers a added dimension in the run game.

Expect the Broncos to commit to stop the Charger run game.

The Chargers have perhaps the best TE in football in Antiono Gates , his size speed combination guarantees a miss match with LB ,CB or safety's. He owns the middle of the field.

Expect the Broncos to bracket him with combinations of LB , cb , Safety's in a attempt to limit his effectiveness.

Bronco CB in man coverage vs Charger WR

Most likely this will hold the key to this game. Champ Bailey is one of the best CB in the league and he should limit McCardell who should be the Chargers primary med receiver. The Chargers prefer a short to med passing attack to limit pressure on Rivers. Bailey will disrespect McCardells long game and dare him to try and beat him deep while sitting on the short stuff.

However the Bolts will counter with three wr sets and double TE or Elephant sets and will bring in Turner to play RB and slide Tomlinson out to wr forcing the Broncos to make a choice in coverage.

The Bolts will see single coverage on Tomlinson , Floyd , Jackson and should exploit those mismatches as the size of Jackson and Floyd 6"5" and over 225 won't create favorable match ups for the smaller Denver CB. Tomlinson will out run any LB in coverage and is to strong after the catch for CB to deal with.

Expect a chess match with the Charger offense and the Denver defense.

Look for Denver's offense to do a lot more damage vs the Charger injury ravaged defense. How long the Bronco offense can hold the ball could be the final key to this game.

Chargers 28 Donks 24


Wow that was almost like a crystal ball forecast.

1)Jackson WR caught a TD

2) LT lined up as a WR he also caught a TD

3) Denver running the ball and how well they were able to do that until the Chargers made the 3rd QT changes.

Have you every seen a better RB than LT?
He sure took the Bolts home.

Good stuff

[BigBad]

I'll be back on here Sunday night to say "I told you so!":welcome:


I told you so!:welcome:

[Shamrock]

Why would we buy something written by Marty. We have seen our team go to and win a SB, twice. I think we know football. You guys, well you know what its like to choke. Just make sure you come back here and take your licks after the game. I doubt you will though you seem like one of those who runs his mouth and disappears when his team loses.I'm back

Lick me.