Broncos vs. Chargers: Matchups

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 11, 2008 at 9:09 p.m.

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Broncos defensive lineman Elvis Dumervil reaches for Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers during the teams' meeting last season in Denver.

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September 11, 2008

11:56 p.m.

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Milehigh_7 writes:

I pretty much agree with you Jeff. However, I feel the Chargers are ripe for the picking and can be had at this point.

Once again my two keys to the game are:

1) We must stop the run
2) We must pressure Rivers

If we do these two things, we win.

We stack up well on offense and I think we could hold our own in a shoot out this time around.

My prediction: Denver 28 Chargers 14
September 12, 2008

1:33 a.m.

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Horvil_Tiki writes:

You see the wisdoms guy, the intangent is the Bronco guy, shanhan scrifft the plays, he makey the Oaklad head spin. The bronco stadiat will fan howl makey all the noise guy, camra shake, I want see the sad face of the Norf turnip, the philly river. Who you gon cover charger? Double the marhsal doubel the royal makey the sheffer wide open for hooge megaton bomb for 6.
September 12, 2008

3:50 a.m.

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vvsignin writes:

If Denver can get a few of those 10-20 yard runs by Young/Hall on 1st and 2nd down, especially in the 1st and 2nd quarters, our talented receivers will be so much more open. Not talking about trick plays and reverses, talking about power running between the tackles right down the throat of Jamal Williams. If Young/Hall/Pittman can get 120+ yards, Denver wins this game. If Denver is +2 in turnovers, we win. If Rivers is sacked 3+ times, we win. If Tomlinson doesn't rip off more than a 20 yard gain, we win. If most or all happen, there is no reason why Denver can't go 11-5 this season.
September 12, 2008

5:20 a.m.

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KneeDeep writes:

There are some key injuries to the Chargers D, Merry Steriod man is easy, what may be as big is Cornerback A. Cromartie who has not practiced all week with a sore hip. Even if he plays he will not be at full speed. The Chargers would replace him with Rookie Antoine Carson. This means that they will be forced into a two deep to guard against Royal and Marshall. I see the slot and tight ends with lots of room in the middle. This should keep the D honest, they will need to pressure Cutler with their line. This could make room for the run game. A key in the past games has been the pressure and 3and outs that the Chargers have been able to put on the Bronco’s offense. I don’t see this happening. LT has not practiced all week, the tables will turn if the Bronco’s can force Rivers into carrying the offence. Denver at home… Paybacks are due.. Broncos 31-17
September 12, 2008

7:03 a.m.

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53Guys writes:

First post. Long time Bronco fan from Texas. Just had to say: Horvil, you da bomb guy.
September 12, 2008

8:51 a.m.

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xxx writes:

I"ll tell you what VVsignin...if the Broncos win this game there is no reason they can't go 16-0 this season,
September 12, 2008

10:30 a.m.

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smuchris writes:

xxx, don't overlook the chargers when we play in San Diego. Beating them at home is one thing, away is another.
September 12, 2008

10:34 a.m.

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Richard writes:

Horvil_Tiki: You make some interesting & valid points. I think the Broncos can take this one. Just one question though, is English a 2nd language for you or are you just hooked on eubonics? If you could post a comment in away that people could understand, it sure would help.
September 12, 2008

11:13 a.m.

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Boarder22 writes:

I find Horvil funny...I can't fgure out why but I do. Now I remember, he reminds me of the dude in Waterboy with Adam Sandler that you could hardly understand. Don't change a thing man, after 3 or 4 reads, we know exactly what you mean!
September 12, 2008

11:52 a.m.

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Anhydrous writes:

Jeff,
I hope to hell you get fired and go get a job at the SD CHRONICle. I also hope you will come here and post when your prediction is wrong.
September 12, 2008

12:07 p.m.

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jjtherockstar writes:

Tiki
You are the man and I love reading what you have to say. Almost every article you bring a smile and a laugh to my face. There are some haters on you, but keep it real. **** what the rest think, and enjoy your fan base here in these pages.
Broncos 30
Chargers 24
I think it will be closer than some of the predictions people are making.
September 12, 2008

12:11 p.m.

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Highcountry writes:

Denver by 10.
September 12, 2008

12:21 p.m.

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kslaw23 writes:

A lot of writers insinuate that the Broncos are luck to be playing the Chargers now because they are banged up. Others indicate that they have to pull off some amazing feat, like sack the big mouth a bunch of times, to win. I think that if each team could suit up its best 45 players, the Broncos would win. The talent gap between the two teams has closed this year. The Broncos are going to win because they are a good team and are better than the Chargers right now.
September 12, 2008

12:26 p.m.

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LingLingfor_prez writes:

Go Chargers! I agree with Jeff's breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses. I also think it will be a close game. Althought I appreciate him picking the Chargers to win, I figure it would be a bit safer to pick your own team in order to keep your job.
September 12, 2008

12:41 p.m.

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SteveC writes:

Tiki, I read all your posts on the Broncos, usually with a grin at what you are saying but "norf turnip"? OMG that had me laughing out loud.
September 12, 2008

12:47 p.m.

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kmeissner writes:

GO BRONCOS! Let's have a good game against SD for once. I'm predicting 27-17 Broncos. Marshall and Royal will both have over 100 yards.
September 12, 2008

1:31 p.m.

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Soldier7 writes:

I hear all of you saying the conservative thing about having a close game and that.... but I say we are going to roll them up big.

Broncos 35
Chargers 17
September 12, 2008

1:37 p.m.

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Milehigh_7 writes:

Here is what I want. Either the Rocky or the Post hire Horvil to be a regular columnist. Lord knows the post could use the help...
September 12, 2008

2:21 p.m.

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Chargersticketholder writes:

I would say the law of averages would dictate its the Broncos turn to win. Especially, with 5 or 6 Chargers pro-bowlers either banged up or out of the game. And the way the Chargers have dominated the Broncos the last 4 games, Broncos pride and intensity should be worth 3-7 points alone.
The only weakness I see in your collective arguments is your overweighting the outcome of the Raiders game as a true test and putting so much energy(hope?) into figuring a few rookies had good numbers against the worst team in football and that these same rookies are going to repeat this week against a better than average NFL team, the Chargers.
September 12, 2008

2:44 p.m.

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dirkle writes:

I have NO friggin idea who will win this game - Chargers are loaded with talent, but playing on the road against what looks like a much-improved Bronco team - a huge key: can Denver stop the run?

What is great about this game is how definitive it will be for Bronco fans: unless there is a freak injury or some bizarre occurance, after the final gun we will definitely know what kind of team we have and if we're going to the playoffs or not.

This game for me is an indicator for the whole season. And if the Broncos win, they are effectively 3 games ahead of San Diego in the standings after only 2 games played. If that isn't enough motivation for the Broncos to win this game, then they don't DESERVE to make the playoffs.

The table is set - let's see if the big dog has the coj@nes to EAT.
September 12, 2008

2:45 p.m.

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benkho writes:

LT is not 100%, river cocky, merriman out, play at invesco.?
Broncos 31 charger 17.
September 12, 2008

2:52 p.m.

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truheeyo writes:

As a Charger fan, I would much rather see the Broncos throw the ball than run. Stephen Cooper our leading tackler is out and Matt Wilhelm is a joke against the run. If you guys want to see a linebacker consistently get blown 5-7 yards back, watch him. In addition, Merriman's replacement Jyles Tucker can rush the passer, but he's not as good against the run.

You may think I am crazy, but I would much rather take our chances with Cutler... Our starting corners are as good as any in the league, including yours, and rookie Antoine Cason is the real deal. We nearly had three or four picks last week, and mark my words, we will get at least one if not more this week.

I know everyone talks about Rivers and his mouth, but the dude is a good guy and is just hyper competitive. I think its a big non story.

Our offense is more versatile than last year. Everyone knows about LT... and all of our receivers have serious game. Broncos will also have to watch out for our undrafted free agent FB Mike Tolbert. They call him "little Lo Lo" - reference to Lo Neal - but with better hands and moves. However, we are missing 2/5 of our O-line which Denver must exploit if they expect to win. I love how the Broncos "upgraded" the secondary with Marlon McCree... he wasn't even going to be a starter for ours. And we also have the best special teams in the league - kick returning and kick coverage - they can make the difference in a close game.

The Chargers are going to be fine after this game, win or lose. If the Broncos don't win this game at home against a banged up Chargers squad, all you Denver fans will sure feel dumb for thinking your team had a chance to win the AFC West after one win against the worst team in football... You blew the raiders out BIG DEAL.
September 12, 2008

3:25 p.m.

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denfanincali writes:

trueheeyo-

you mean to tell me that if the Broncos lose this game it will be a big deal but if the Chargers lose, it will be fine? Get real. If the Broncos win this game its called a divisional momentum shift. It would be everything we need to get confident like you guys have been for the past two years. And confidence breeds wins. If we win this game your locker-room doubters will creep up and you can practically kiss your season good-bye. this game is going to boil down to two things...mistake free football and coaching. and i would take Shanahan over Norv Turner in an instant.
September 12, 2008

3:40 p.m.

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azis1100 writes:

31 Broncos, 21 Chargers

people will have to score 30+ to beat us this year...the playbook is back~
September 12, 2008

4:26 p.m.

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truheeyo writes:

denfanincali-

Boil down to two things... really? Did you forget that over half of our offense has been to the probowl? Look, I'm just saying this is a bigger game for the donkeys than the chargers. You should expect to win a home game against a banged up team - but obviously that is not the case here - just like you said, the Donkeys need this game for momentum.

I hope you guys are the real deal - I'd hate to see another game you can only muster 3 points.
September 12, 2008

4:46 p.m.

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Cutlers_the_bomb writes:

Agreed. I too think that people will have to score a lot to keep up with or beat us this year. People are now saying that we beat the Raiders because they s&$%, but nobody thought that going in, now did they? Everyone was saying they would run for over 250 yards against us, because of McFadden and Fargas. Now, on the other side of the game, you all changed your tunes. R u going to do that too when the Broncos win this weekend? Where's the non-fair weather fans?
Anyways, the Raiders may have a terrible record every year, but they fight hard, game-in, game-out. Last year, they were putting up a fight in almost every game. They are a tough team to beat, and people also forget the fact that it was IN Oakland. I never think the Raiders are terrible, they just don't have the talent to put them over the hump in most games.
For this game, the Broncos need to focus on two points, one for offense and one for defense. For offense, we CAN NOT, repeat, CAN NOT, go 3 and out. We have to make sure we are controlling the clock, allowing the defense to rest, while at the same time making their defense breathing hard. Clock management and control is one of the most effective ways to win. If you absolutely DOMINATE the game clock, there is a very good chance, about 90% chance, of winning, unless they're torching you on long, quick plays.
Defense, you have to shut down LT. Forget Phillip Rivers, because he won't become a factor if LT isn't stopped. If we keep LT to a horrible average, like the Packers and Patriots last year, then we can force them into 3 and long, and potentially force a 3 and out. 3rd downs are also very important, but it seems that we have started to fix that, as Oakland was only 2-12 on third down conversions. We won't keep the Chargers to that kind of average, but we can keep them under 40%, we have a very good chance of winning.
Most importantly, we need to pound the rock and use EVERY SINGLE ONE of our weapons. Make them guess every play who it's going to, and how they're going to stop them.
Truheeyo, while I agree that Quentin Jammer is a very solid cornerback, I do not think that Cromartie is all that amazing. Take this stat; Cromartie may have had 10 picks, but he got those because of pressure and he was thrown at around 80 times last season. 80! That doesn't sound all that great, does it? Champ's 10 INT year, he was thrown at only 30 some times, so how about 1/3 versus 1/8?
September 12, 2008

4:49 p.m.

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DCBronco writes:

Hey Jeff, why don't you just move to San Diego or Oakland or somewhere. Your hatred of the Broncos, like that of some of your co-workers have, is blinding you to the fact that Denver has improved. You so called experts are always surprised by the sudden rise of a team or player because statistics and silly beliefs rule your world. Denver's o-line is bigger and stronger. And more healthy. Royal got open because of mis-matches. Not in scheme, but in ability. Like Cutler said, Hall was beat time after time after time. Royal beat both corners. You have to ignore his age and look at what he did on a huge stage, when everything was geared toward him being the one to make a difference. When guys perform on the big stage, it's because they are performers. The Ryan Brothers locked onto ends like giant magnets to metal. And the line got something that I hadn't seen from a Bronco line in years, movement off the line of scrimmage. They simply pushed people off the line as individuals and as a group. Denver will run the ball, Denver will throw the ball and Denver will win the game. 35-21.
September 12, 2008

5:01 p.m.

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Cutlers_the_bomb writes:

Also, what do you think about our offense? Royal, a rookie, schooled a 2-time Pro Bowl corner in Hall, so how is Pro Bowl status any indication of ability or talent? Being voted for the Pro Bowl is like voting for Prom King and Queen candidates; you pick the favorites, or the hottest looking ones. I would also say that Champ did good last year (never said great; just good), but maybe Dre Bly actually earned a nomination (after all, 5 picks is still pretty good). Anyways, I would expect Shanahan to go right at Cromartie, like Jake Delhomme did (you remember that Delhomme wasn't picked once by him, and probably allowed 7-8 catches, and a touchdown if I remember right), and make him prove he's that good, especially since Jay Cutler has a much stronger arm than Delhomme, and also has even better receivers in Marshall and Royal. If he can shut down Marshall or Royal (and by shut down, I mean 2 catches max, with no TD's, while being thrown to multiple times), then you can tell me he is a good corner.
P.S. I think you guys did make a good pick in Cason, but I think you would be better off getting rid of Cromartie and keeping Cason as a starter.
Predictions for yardage: Broncos at least 350 (yes, even against a "great" defense. The Panthers did that without Steve Smith even! We also have even more weapons than they did,) Chargers around 250-300 (I do think you have a pretty good offense, but would be a lot better if you had kept Drew Brees. A.J. Smith is an absolute moron... Don't forget you guys went 14-2 with Schottenhiemer, then 11-5 with Turner. Who's the better coach?)
Score: Broncos 34 Chargers 28 or 31
September 12, 2008

5:10 p.m.

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truheeyo writes:

Where are all these 30 points predictions coming from? Donkeys only scored 6 last year... in two games! You are telling me that the Broncos are that much better than last year? Based on one game against the raiders? Come on now. Apparently that thin air is depriving Denver fans of rational thinking.

Anyone notice that this game is getting overlooked by Media? All I hear is talk of the Philly Dallas game and Indy Minnesota... This should be a big game, can't wait.
September 12, 2008

5:18 p.m.

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denfanincali writes:

truheeyo-

The Chargers are talented. I'll give you that. I never said they weren't a team to be reckoned with. They definitely b*tch slapped us 2 years in a row. And I definitely think they are going to give us their best shot. So, if we win this game, I am going to ignore those who'd like to chalk it up to San Diego being "banged up". Denver has been "banged up" for 2 years now and no one recalls that when they refer to the Chargers 4-0 record against us.

By 'boiling down to two things' I mean its going to come down to play calling/strategy and turnovers. I think the team with fewer turnovers is probably going to win this game.

But, its not going to be easy for either side this time. Though the Broncos are going to make it LOOK easy....I kid, I kid....
September 12, 2008

6:16 p.m.

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Milehi7 writes:

trueheeyo, If you can't remember that your chargers that you fans are so proud of beat a banged up broncos team last year that was missing most of their offensive line and a good part of their defense. You don't remember that do you? 11 or 12 starters out last year! Go blog on a chargers site!
September 12, 2008

7:14 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

truheeyo, you said, and I quote: "Where are all these 30 points predictions coming from? Donkeys only scored 6 last year... in two games! You are telling me that the Broncos are that much better than last year? Based on one game against the raiders?", unquote. Yes, that's exactly what we're saying. We have a new team, with rookies that are hungry, smart, and very fast. I don't care what you have to say about the Raiders, Royal burned De'Angelo Hall, time after time after time. A fluke? No. Luck? No. Royal is THAT GOOD. But that's ok, you keep doing what the media, the other teams and fans are doing. Keep underestimating the Broncos. We will love to prove you wrong. But after Sunday, you will write in with a lame excuse about how if your team wasn't banged up, we would have lost. It's ok, sore losers don't ever admit the painful truth, that their team was outplayed.
September 13, 2008

4:29 a.m.

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KneeDeep writes:

More for truheeyo;
“You are telling me that the Bronco’s are that much better than last year?” Truheeyo that is what the league is going to find out! This team is a totally different team from the past ten years, one that I see being very good for a long time. This isn’t the team that the Dolts had their way with, far from it. If we are going to talk about last year, last years team lost to the Raiders and won on a missed “iced “ field goal. There is too much talk about the Raiders not being good… sorry that don’t wash. Whenever the Bronco’s and Raiders play, it ends up being a tough game (same with the Dolts and Raiders). To have the Broncos totally dominate as they did is a huge indicator of how good the Bronco’s are, not how bad the Raiders are!
Besides the Bronco’s going from being one of the oldest teams to one of the youngest you need to understand what your facing in Cutler. That he was able to play at the level he did with undiagnosed Diabetes is huge. Unless you have been done that road, you have no idea of how sick you are. With Jay back to feeling “normal” his play is going to astound people this year. Add in the emergence of Royal and the Dolts are going to see an offence that they did not see last year. Shannahan can now use his entire playbook as we all saw on Monday night. You were able to dominate by keeping the defense on the field, the day’s of 3-and outs are over expect to see 30 points on Sunday.
Denver 31-17… P.S. Rivers better keep his head on a swivel, paybacks are a B***h!

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Broncos vs. Chargers: Matchups

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 11, 2008 at 9:09 p.m.

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