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Broncos defenders hope to dam up Chargers QB Rivers

Chargers QB has been dominant in past four meetings

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 11, 2008 at 10 p.m.

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Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers runs past a diving Tim Crowder for a 2-yard touchdown in 2007, at Invesco Field at Mile High.

Photo by Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers runs past a diving Tim Crowder for a 2-yard touchdown in 2007, at Invesco Field at Mile High.

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Basically, when it comes to the Broncos defense, a Rivers has thrown through it.

A Rivers has been comfortable, productive and largely undisturbed. And Philip Rivers has won all four of his starts against the Broncos heading into Sunday's game in Invesco Field at Mile High.

So, the Broncos might not always like how the Chargers quarterback carries himself on the field - and the video clip the Broncos have rolled all week of Rivers pointing at the scoreboard and shouting at Denver players are certainly proof of that - but the numbers don't lie.

Numbers like 41-3, 23-3, 35-27 and 48-20, the scores of those four Rivers starts; numbers like 4-0, those Chargers wins all added up.

"They embarrassed us. Hopefully, we will play a lot better than the last two games," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. " . . . They kicked us pretty good."

And if the Broncos were graded by the grass stains on Rivers' uniform the past two seasons, they likely wouldn't get a passing mark for getting to the passer.

Rivers has been sacked only three times in the teams' past four meetings combined.

And he also hasn't been pressured enough in between the sacks to slow him all that much.

Rivers has thrown seven touchdown passes in those four games and been harassed into only two interceptions, but none of those interceptions has come in the past three times the two teams have played.

"Pressure's big," Broncos defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban said. "Sacks or pressure? Selfishly, you could say sacks. But winning? That's pressure. To win as a defense, it's always getting pressure.

"And the key to pressure is just beating your man off the ball and just having that quarterback reset. If he has to think about somebody in his face, it could be an errant throw, which causes interceptions, it could be happy feet, which causes him to scramble, which gives us another opportunity to get him.

"There's just so much that happens from getting somebody in his face."

The Broncos are looking to force Rivers to move, even in the pocket, from where he was intended to be when the play was designed.

"So we have to work as a unit, not as individuals," Broncos defensive line coach Bill Johnson said. " . . . Seventy, maybe 80 percent of all sacks come when a quarterback comes off of his spot and resets. So the whole moral of the story is work as a unit rushing the passer, make him reset, whether it's with four rushers, five rushers, three rushers, whatever the case.

"If you rush two, then you have to do it with two. But sacks, most of the time, come when the quarterback did not go down where he was set to be in the protection. It's guys working as a unit, forming a box, a square, a fence, whatever you want to call it, around him."

The Chargers' passing attack, with Rivers running it, is also far more productive than the Raiders showed themselves to be in their Monday night loss to the Broncos. In the Chargers' opening-week loss to the Panthers, Rivers still threw three touchdown passes and averaged 8 yards an attempt.

"I'm not sure there's a tougher game than having to go to Denver against a division opponent the way they played Oakland the way they did," Rivers said.

There is also the matter of intent. Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, with quarterback JaMarcus Russell making the second regular-season start of his career, leaned hard on Oakland's running game for the most part to keep Russell out of harm's way, even in passing situations.

On third down, for example, the Raiders ran the ball eight times, five times when they were facing third-and-4 or more, three times when they were facing at least third-and-10.

On the other five third-down plays, Russell threw three incomplete passes, was sacked - by Kenny Peterson in the second quarter - and lost a fumble in the first quarter.

The Chargers figure to be far more aggressive than that in those kinds of situations.

"I know we've made a lot of improvement," Johnson said. "But I can't say I know what we are yet, so there is probably still some question there. But I know I've seen the plan, I've seen us work and I know we're improved."

"It's all about everybody making it happen," Ekuban said. "It's nice if you have three guys up in the quarterback's face, but even if you get one - and cause him to reset his feet, have to adjust - it pays great dividends."

Comments

  • September 11, 2008

    10:59 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Milehigh_7 writes:

    Come on fellas! Get in his face! Remember his smug attitude and smart mouth! Punch him in it. We don't just want a win we want Rivers to be dirty. We are grading you by his grass stains! GET EM BRONX!

  • September 12, 2008

    6:10 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    dilligaf writes:

    This message goes out to Jarvis Moss. This is your chance. This game can show everyone that you aren't a bust. I realize you basically are still a rookie. And I don't expect to see a Reggie White out there. But it would be nice to see some potential. PUT THIS BIG MOUTH ON HIS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • September 12, 2008

    7:08 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    frosty writes:

    Defense, this is your week! Make a stand and show the old mile high pride and put this classless loud mouth on his rear end, the crowd will be ready!

  • September 12, 2008

    7:23 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    CourtneyBrown98 writes:

    We SHOULD TREAT THIS GAME LIKE THE SUPERBOWL.
    THERE'S NO WAY WE WONT USE ALL THE TRASH TALK HE'S BEEN DOING THE LAST COUPLE YEARS AS FUEL TO THE FIRE!!WE HAVE THE MOMEMTUM GOING INTO THIS GAME!

  • September 12, 2008

    7:26 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    LingLingfor_prez writes:

    Go Chargers. Looking forward to this game and the weather should be good as well. The score will at least be a bit closer this time compared to last year. Funny that some media outlets are picking the raiders over the chiefs too even after what happened last week.

  • September 12, 2008

    8:08 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    dehag24 writes:

    I hope that Shanny is ending every film session this week with footage of that lil douche running his mouth....come on defense know him around a little and make him live up to his teammates nickname "Lights Out"....love the Orange n Blue

  • September 12, 2008

    8:19 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    LingLing, sorry, this is the week of "changing of the guards". I think you're in for a shock this weekend. Your Dolts won't be facing the same team as last year (the roster shows that). Your team is in for a rude awakening. Your best player is out on D and our offense appears to be rolling. With Brandon and Royal and Stokley and Scheffler and our RB's, pick your poison.

  • September 12, 2008

    8:49 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cacabuzz writes:

    I usually don't (a-hem) condone violence...
    But Broncos -
    Hit 'em in the left knee
    Hit 'em in the right knee
    And take out Phyllis...the little wienie...

  • September 12, 2008

    9:13 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Biff writes:

    I think Jarvous Moss is still hurt?

  • September 12, 2008

    9:13 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    zoe2000 writes:

    i think LT is starting to become a pre modonna

  • September 12, 2008

    9:21 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Brain writes:

    The Broncos do need to get pressure on Rivers to be successful, they were better against oakland but that was oakland. This will be a REAL test to show how much better the D is, I think they will pass the test. The chargers O is still banged-up; I think they still have 2 OL out but the back-ups have experience; Gates is not 100% of himself, LT is not 100%; contain LT and put pressure on the QB and we should outscore them
    Broncos 27-21

  • September 12, 2008

    9:41 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    sbhchawk writes:

    Just read the Sam Adams "Keep it Clean" open mic headline. My first thought was it would be about Sunday's game and sportsmenship. My second thought, I hope they do keep it clean, as in after the game they have to clean out Rivers knee and put the boy in crutches.
    don't think I've ever wanted to see a player hurt before, hope my kids never think that way, but boy do I dislike that guy these days.

  • September 12, 2008

    9:46 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Woody writes:

    Broncos: 31-14

  • September 12, 2008

    9:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    denfanincali writes:

    This game is a very good test. I like our chances because we have momentum, its at home and we are starting to truly develop offensive confidence. There is no better game-planner in the biz than Shanahan providing he has the players with which to work. And this year, he's definitely got the players.

    Defense scares me though. Where's Boss? Where's the ability to stop the run? I know it was only 1 game but after the game in Oakland we are ranked number 25 in the NFL against the run. That's hardly dominant. Basically, we need our young guys (Moss, Crowder and Thomas) to really step up. I noticed the Raiders were calling a lot of run plays to the outside, avoiding the Robertson/Thomas tandem. That's a very good sign but what about our ends? Linebackers? I'd just hate to be in a shoot out situation with any team with half an offense. I would just like to be able to start shutting them down.

    Special Teams? So far, better than 2007 but still too early to tell. I saw a few long run backs that concerned me. Reminded me of last year. That's very frustrating. So, we can't forget this aspect of the game either. I don't care if its a touchback every single time just don't get cute with it and don't allow them to rip off much of a return. Is that so much to ask?

    The Chargers are no fluke. They have a lot going for them and I think its a very good time for Denver to play them. If we beat them, I can see the swagger we will develop from that will definitely grow and help us reach the playoffs. Though you never want to call a week 2 game a must win, this game is a really-need-to-win in order to propel our confidence sky high which will carry us through this season.

    So, lets hope our Defense improves and helps our Offense stay in charge. All in all, I like our chances.

    Go Broncos!

  • September 12, 2008

    10:02 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Soldier7 writes:

    The best thing we can do to help our defense is to pound the
    rock down thier throat. We need Hillis and Pitman to run
    them over, we need Hall and Young to run around them. We
    need Marshall to get the ball and run over some people.
    We can humiliate them in this game if we establish the run.
    I know that people want to see Royal cut them up...
    (I want that too), but we have to run in this game to win.

  • September 12, 2008

    10:54 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    denfanincali writes:

    Soldier7-

    I agree that its important to get our run game going. Its HUGE. Our run stats didn't look too bad after Monday Night's game but that doesn't tell the whole story. We couldn't find much of a rhythm. I know Shanahan will go back to the drawing board and really try to expose some of their holes. However, I wouldn't be surprised if we stick to an aerial assault to just try to get some points on the board. The Marshall/Royal tandem is just too tempting to not take advantage of and if we get up by more than one score, it may force them to become one dimensional. Though, I would LOVE to see a solid running game.

  • September 12, 2008

    12:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jjtherockstar writes:

    Lingling
    likes the dingding

    Broncos
    30
    Chargers
    24

    Closer than I would like

  • September 12, 2008

    2:49 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Danoham writes:

    This is an opportunity for the Broncos to take a new direction. In 1977 Tom Jackson screamed at John Madden "It's all over fat man." And the reigning world champions went down hard. Now it's time for Big Mouth to get a similar message. Shannahan started the season by giving the SD defense some interesting things to think about and I have to believe that we will see the fruits of that game plan payoff on Sunday. 13-27

  • September 12, 2008

    3:55 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cutlers_the_bomb writes:

    I agree. I truly feel that we have way too many weapons for the Chargers to contend with on offense, let alone any team (except probably the Eagles; it does help that they have 3 top notch corners). The Chargers are starting to know what we felt like when all of our good players started going down. We do need to take advantage of this opportunity, because LT, Gates, and Cromartie are all hurting bad, and we are going to make sure that LT never gets going. On offense, I bet that Shanahan wants to go right at one of the "best" corners in the league in Cromartie, and prove that last year was a product of getting thrown at over 70-80 times in the season. He should have 10 picks when thrown at that much. I also think we are going to run right at Merriman's backup, make him stop us, which he won't. I think the Chargers are going to have a very rough year, because they are hurting, and LT is starting to lose a step. Granted, Carolina does have a good run defense, but they no longer have the d-line they used to have, and they only allowed one gain over 10 yards to LT, and not a single 20+ yard run. Sounds like he's starting to get a little older, and beginning to break down. While I don't want him to get hurt, I also think it would be good for him, as he has started to become a prima donna, especially when he was crying and bi*#^ing to the media about the Patriots doing the "Lights Out" spasm, I mean dance. Prediction: Broncos 34 Chargers 16.

  • September 12, 2008

    6:24 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    sbhchawk, no, the "Keep it clean", thing, was for a Raiders fan I reported. He came on ranting and cussing and foul mouth name calling. He was a prime example of a low IQ Raiders fan. I don't mind bantering and calling someone an idiot or moron or pathetic, etc., but this clown was a jerk.
    Cutlers_the_bomb, the key for Denver is establishing the run, early. It will set the tempo, of course, for the pass. Our D needs to do what we failed to do the past 2 years, pressure Rivers to make erratic throws. He can be rattled, but it depends on how consistent we can be. I love how Denver is the underdog. Don't give the Broncos any respect. We will sneak in, under the radar and bushwhack every team we play. I figure, though, that by the time we play the 1st 4 games, people will start taking our Broncos, a lot more seriously. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • September 12, 2008

    6:33 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    incognitoboy writes:

    zoe2000 -

    i hate to be the language police, but 'pre modonna'?

    wow.

    here it is for real - 'prima donna' definition from wikipedia:

    (Originally used in opera companies, "prima donna" is Italian for "first lady". The term was used to designate the leading female singer in the opera company, the person to whom the prime roles would be given.)

    strangely appropriate here for phyllis rivers, but i'm not sure i would apply it to LT just yet. he hasn't yet shown me a tendency to be a temperamental whiny little b***h, which is the personality traits that most people associate this term with.

    from all accounts he's an even better teammate and public figure than he is a football player. i still wanna see him lose on sunday....

    GO BRONCOS!!!!!!! [[[[[[[[[[incognitoboy]]]]]]]]]]]

  • September 12, 2008

    9:14 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    denfanincali, The Raiders were forced to run because we shut down the pass. They didn't accumulate those rushing yards till the 4th quarter when the game was out of reach. I'm not worried. You shouldn't be, either. Oh, and Boss is starting this week. You will see a difference. Winborn played well, but I like Boss. When he's healthy, he can be dangerous. Besides, I just want to see the Bailey brothers play together. Broncos to win 34-24. The Charger will be behind 34-17 in the 4th and get their last touchdown just before the time runs out. No crystal ball, just confidence in our boys. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • September 12, 2008

    10:42 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    wyocow85 writes:

    After reading the updated injury report tonight, I think the injury situation on Sunday could be very interesting.
    McNeil and Hardwick are out on the offensive line, which they were last week and were expected to be all week. Thats huge, and I wasn't aware of it. Mcneil is arguably their best lineman and plays without a doubt the most crucial position on it, LT. That right there increases the chance of pressure on Rivers and will be a drain on LT.
    That leads me to the next injury, LT himself. After reading his report, I think he'll play, but without a doubt will not be 100%. Cromartie on the otherhand, is also listed as questionable, but I'm getting the feeling he might not play. Even if he does, a slow Cromartie is a great thing, as he will probably be on B Marsh. A tentative CB on Marshall means missed tackles and Marshall Magic.
    Then there is Gates and Jamal Williams. Both listed as probable, and they without a doubt they will probably play, but again these are crucial players for the Chargers. There are banged up Broncos, but I think for the first week in a year, the injury report favors the Broncos. Finally.

  • September 12, 2008

    10:42 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    BroncFanFl writes:

    Whoa,... here it is Friday night and not a Charger fan to talk trash with. It must be a strictly Raider's thing. Well, in that case may the best team persevere through the rough spots and show they're well deserved winners. I do not think Rivers yelling rants will help him, should his team lose, or win for that matter. Smart choice, Mr. Merriman. Now that your young career is now being fixed, it is time to lay low from the steroid jokes and start rehabing to a long career - instead of shortening it to a season of a risky knee blowout. LT- no more whining about what happens after the games. All taken, the Broncos should have a much better showing against the Chargers (who may just not be taking this as seriously).
    I like another game of the 30+ points on the Broncos, and maybe a not-so-hot Chargers 17 points. Just my opinion, there may be some newspaper clippings hanging in some player's lockers taunting them with those 3 - 40 some blowout scores (the last two games were some major spankings). They'll remember.

  • September 13, 2008

    12:33 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    RckyMtnBolt writes:

    It's kinda sad really. You Bronc fans are delirious after beating a hapless Faider team. You do realize deep down that even with all of our injuries, we still beat you handily in your own house. Maybe if we brought our practice team to Invesco you guys might have a chance. Bolts 31 - Broncs 14. Yes, Cutler gets you in the end zone a few times so you'll have that going for you...

  • September 13, 2008

    3:18 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Milehigh_7 writes:

    RckyMtnBolt,

    I really wish you all were going to have all your players. The excuses for the impending Discharger loss have already started.

    Anyway, we all know that beating the Raiders was nothing. As someone stated today, "the Raiders are a dumpster fire". True enough.

    However, we have improved and time will tell if it is enough to shut you up.

    My feeling? We have more than enough to take the Dischargers out.

  • September 13, 2008

    7:36 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BoltzFan writes:

    As a 30 year Charger fan, I admit we have been a little cocky these past two years -- especially our chatterbox QB. We have had so many years of getting clobbered by your team, it was finally our turn to be proud and we didn't know how to behave after decades of being losers. You have two championship rings and we have none, until we catch up with you in that category, you will always be better than us. Still you gotta give Phil his due, he almost beat the Pats in the AFC Championship game on two busted knees. In two years, he has a record of 25-8 as starting pitcher. We have our soup commercial boy, LT. I think our best player is Cromartie, Mr 109 yard return and three Peyton Manning interceptions in one game. All Bolt fans respect the Broncos along with hating you. I am sure the feeling is mutual.

  • September 13, 2008

    9:32 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    RckyMtnDolt, just another typical fan, making excuses for his team, before it's even played, just in case his team loses. Guess what, get ready for it. If you think San Diego can hold Denver to 14 points, think again. Who do you have to stop Brandon, Brandon, Eddie, Tony, Nate and Daniel? Think your guys will stop Hillis, Young, Hall and Pittman? I'm being straight up with you about this. Denver has a powerful offense. NOTHING like we had last year...NOTHING! Your boys are going down quicker then a submarine suffering a direct hit. Bring your tissues and leave your injury scenario at home. You're already making excuses because you want to cover your behind for what you "deep down", KNOW will happen.
    BoltzFan, good post. It's these type of level headed fans (yourself) that makes football fun. Yes, Rivers has talent and as you stated, his yap is what really turned the Bronco fans into haters of San Diego. Never to the degree like the Raiders, but Rivers is not well thought of with Bronco fans or the Denver D, for that matter. We respect the Chargers talent, but after the changes we made this year, we respect our own talent, even more. And Rivers? Well, hard to respect someone who won't show any back.

  • September 13, 2008

    1:22 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    T1anda writes:

    Three strikes against the Bolts.

    1. LT2 not 100% Almost 30 and getting a little soft.
    2. Without Shawn Maryann...defense??
    3. Norv Turner

    Go Broncos!!

  • September 14, 2008

    12:23 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    UnicornHater writes:

    You guys are mad cause the changing of the guard has already took place. w/o Elway and San Diego native Terrell Davis you guys are no better than a competitive wildcard team. Chargers baby. Enter Jyles Tucker, by seasons end you'll know his name.

  • September 14, 2008

    12:44 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    ChargerGirl writes:

    I think you delusional Bronco fans are forgetting that my Chargers back up players are better than most teams starters. Nobody is making excuses for anything. We will have no reason. Rivers has every right to run his mouth, the last four times we met up with you Unicorns he was sacked a total of 3 times.. Good luck getting your hands on my QB this year.. "MaryAnn" or no "MaryAnn" I watched your "game" last Monday, and of course you guys looked great! You were playing the Faiders.. And about my man LT, name one of your RBs that can hold a candle to his "almost 30yr old 'softy'"
    All I have to say is start preparing for a "Royal" a$$ whooping. Your first official game of the season...
    GO CHARGERS!!

  • September 14, 2008

    12:56 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    ChargerGirl writes:

    By the way, Norv Turner and all our players have been saying all the right things to be PC...(coach speak)

    Bronco fans and players alike consider this a big game, but honestly your just a stepping stone on our path to play bigger better teams.

    I love my team!

  • September 14, 2008

    1:05 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    UnicornHater, you've got it wrong, by the end of this game, you'll know who Royal is.
    ChargerGirl, you are so far wrong. There will be a "Royal" whooping, alright. It will be Royal, whooping your CB's. As for trash talking, nobody has a right to act the way Rivers did. He was on the field and no helmet on, talking smack. Taunting. If you actually knew anything about football, you would know it's not wise to start up that kind of hate, with another team. It has a tendency to come back and bite you in the butt. It's called "Karma" and your sorry team is about to get a huge dose of it tomorrow. Oh, and trust me, once you lose, you WILL be making excuses. It's the nature of the beast.

  • September 14, 2008

    5:35 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Bolts_in_Baghdad writes:

    I remember when Rivers bumped his gums at his Charger fans & teammates while he struggled at a Home Game last year. Do me a favor Broncos & teach Rivers a lesson but be sure to lose with dignity as well. Hopefully, we'll have a QB next week that can throw "outside the numbers" (Mr. Rivers, not only are you ranked at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to that but also class).

    PS- AJ Smith, why didn't you pick up Favre you knucklehead? Would that make too much sense? 4th Round Pick!!!! Now, we're left with Billy Volek as our only hope.