How the Broncos Can Beat the Chargers

Utilize all of their offensive weapons

A key to beating the Chargers will depend on how efficiently the Broncos can use their wide receivers and running backs. Los Angeles is coming off a loss to the Houston Texans.

C.J. Stroud threw two long touchdowns, with one being for 75 yards and the other for 43 yards. Houston wide receivers Jayden Higgins, Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, and Xavier Hutchinson each averaged more than 10 yards per catch. Texans running back Woody Marks also carried the ball 19 times for 71 yards.

The Broncos can learn a lot from the Chargers’ most recent defensive performance. At the same time, they should emphasize getting Courtland Sutton involved, as he is very skilled at catching deep balls. It’s also vital that Denver gets other players involved, such as Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr.

RJ Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin should also have a significant role in the run game, while Bo Nix shouldn’t hesitate to run the ball if he can’t find an open man down the field. Having a balance between the run and pass game will be essential as the Chargers’ defense emphasizes taking away the big plays.

Avoid turnovers

The Texans’ offense initially gave the Chargers problems, but turnovers were what kept them in the game as Stroud threw two interceptions. Nix should try to be more accurate when throwing the ball, but also avoid throwing any interceptions at all costs.

In last week’s matchup against the Chiefs, Kansas City was able to capitalize and score a touchdown off the lone interception Nix threw. Ball security will also be important in Sunday’s game, while fumbles can be an even more costly type of turnover.

Turning the ball over not only helps the opposing team but also harms the defense. Even though Denver has been known this season for its tenacious defense, it tires at times. It becomes more vulnerable when the offense fails to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Put pressure on the Chargers’ offense

The Broncos’ defense has done a phenomenal job of sacking the quarterback this season, combining for 64 sacks so far. However, they didn’t do a great job getting to the quarterback last week.

That will have to change if they want to improve their chances of beating the Chargers, because even though Herbert will not be playing, Lance is a much more experienced quarterback compared to Chris Oladokun.

The Texans sacked Herbert five times and even recorded an interception. Denver has a talented defense, and if it can pressure Lance and sack him a few times, he may be more likely to throw an interception.

The Chargers have a solid receiving core in Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston. The Broncos’ defense will also need to contain tight end Oronde Gadsden and running back Omarion Hampton.

The priority should be limiting McConkey and Allen, who lead the Chargers in receiving yards, respectively. Both receivers had a combined two receptions for 48 yards against the Texans. Johnston could also be a threat as he led the Chargers last week with five receptions for 98 yards.

Stopping the run game will also be very essential, as Hampton rushed for less than 30 yards while averaging 2.1 yards per carry last week. He still managed to score a rushing touchdown and has shown he can catch passes out of the backfield, both of which the defense should try to prevent.

Finally, the Broncos’ defense must be disciplined and realize that the Chargers may use their running backs and wide receivers as decoys to get Gadsden more involved, as he scored a touchdown in the red zone last week after being wide open.