Game Preview: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 5:52 AM PST Comment 81 comments

Here was how I started the preview for the last Broncos/Chargers matchup.

So, the bye week sucked, huh? Back to business in a big way this week with the Week 6 AFC West Championship Super Bowl Extravaganza (W6AFCWCSBE for short).

I also predicted that all hell would break loose if the Chargers lost, but I was wrong. I had failed to think that the Chargers could play a good game, show some promise, and still lose the game. Silly me. Anyways, the stakes are even higher for this week's game, which shall be dubbed the Week 11 AFC West Championship Super Bowl Extravaganza Spectacular (W11AFCWCSBES for short), aka the Unofficial AFC West Championship Game. How exciting!

When the Broncos Have the Ball

via bp3.blogger.com

Why does the Bronco have a horn? Is that really a unicorn? I think that's a unicorn, and an underfed one at that.

According to what I've picked up talking to Broncos fans over at MHR, their recent slide has more to do with the defenses problems stopping the run than anything that's gone wrong with the offense. The poor offensive output against the Redskins had everything to do with trying to comeback with a backup QB who hadn't been in an NFL game in years. So, in looking at the numbers, things should be relatively the same to the last time these two teams met.

Week 6:

6th in the league in offensive yards per game, but 22nd in points per game.
The Broncos have less rushing TDs inside the red zone (2) than the Chargers (3) even though they've played 5 games to the Chargers 4.

Week 11:

22nd in offensive yards per game and 24th in points per game.
17th in passing yards per game, 18th in yards per passing attempt.
24th in the league in "explosive" passing plays (plays of more than 20 yards).
16th in rushing yards per game, 16th in rushing yards per carry.
21st in the league in "explosive" rushing plays (plays of more than 20 yards).
In the same amount of games (9), the Broncos have managed to score half as many rushing TDs in the red zone (3) as the Chargers (6). That says to me that this is not an offensive line and a rushing attack that is going to punch you in the mouth or push you around.

via image.examiner.com

In most of these game previews, I stuff the thing full of facts and stats. Before the Week 6 game, perhaps because the game meant everything to the Chargers and we were all hoping for a performance we hadn't yet seen, I posted almost no stats and instead went for opinion and conjecture. How's that for journalistic integrity? Anyways, even without having anything to compare it to.....let's take a look at the current stats for the Bolts D.

14th in yards allowed, 20th in points allowed.
Still ranked low (28th) in terms of 3rd down conversions by the opponent.
11th in passing yards allowed, 16th best in terms of passing yards per attempt against.
Tied for 6th best in explosive pass plays allowed (20).
23rd in rushing yards allowed per game, 8th in rushing yards allowed per attempt (4.1). So the Chargers actually do a fairly good job at slowing down the run but, because there's not a ton of stops and the passing defense is so good, teams seem to be running it a lot against them.
7th in the league in terms of rushing attempts per game against. No other team in the league has as low of an allowed YPC (4.1) and such a high number of attempts against them (29.2 per game). The next closest is the Broncos, who allow 3.8 yards per carry and get run on 27.6 times per game.
1st in the league in explosive running plays against them (2). The Chargers have yet to allow a run of 40+ yards. I'm no expert, but I have to attribute that to good tackling by the secondary (specifically Eric Weddle) and the team as a whole. All of these numbers combined seem to say that the only thing missing from the Bolts having a dominating D right now is a dominating defensive line (or at least a dominating Nose Tackle like Jamal Williams).

Advantage: N/A. I can't know who has the advantage here without know who is starting at QB. Even then, since I have no idea how bad Kyle Orton's ankle is or how much better Chris SImms can be with a week of practice, it would be difficult. Looking at the stats alone, the Broncos offense is very average. It'll be San Diego's job to try to keep them there and keep their playmakers in check.

When the Chargers Have the Ball

via a.espncdn.com

This seems as good a time as any to announce that BFTB interviewed Kellen Winslow last night. I'll try to post the transcription of the interview later today, but it's more likely that I'll find time to get it up tomorrow. Kellen was awesome, had a great sense of humor, and talked a great deal about Air Coryell vs. the 2009 Chargers offense. Really, really interesting stuff. Also, his pick for the greatest TE of all time took me completely by surprise and it probably will for you too.

A look at the Chargers stats and rankings:

18th in terms of offensive yards per game, 6th in terms of points per game. That is exactly how you want that ratio to go, especially with a poor running game. This means that the Chargers are converting their opportunities into points quite often.
12th in terms of 3rd down conversion rate. +2 on the turnover battle (11th best).
7th in passing yards per game, 2nd in passing yards per attempt. This is another great sign that the Chargers offense is not producing "inflated" stats with short passes and screens. When the Chargers pass the ball, good things happen.
3rd in the league in explosive passing plays (34).
32nd (last) for rushing yards per game and rushing yards per attempt (3.2). Let us not pretend otherwise.
26th in the league for explosive rushing plays (3).

via www.lonestarsportz.com

Where, oh where, has that vaunted Denver Broncos attacking 3-4 defense gone? Well, the easy answer is that although the Broncos were able to bring in top-tier talent to start and therefore turn around the team in a hurry, it takes more than one offseason to build talented depth behind those players. Now that the Broncos are beginning to battle a few injuries, and the veterans are starting to lose that extra pep they had in the beginning of the season, players with flaws in their game are getting on the field. Let's see what the stats say.

6th in yards per game allowed, 4th in points per game given up. Sounds like a strong defense to me.
17th in 3rd down conversions allowed. 2nd least defensive penalties called against them.
19th in time of possession. That's a lot of time on the field for a team of aging veterans without great depth behind them.
5th in passing yards allowed, 11th in passing yards per attempt against.
10th in explosive passing plays allowed (21).
2nd in sacks.
11th in rushing yards per game allowed, 6th in rushing yards per attempt allowed.

I don't know fellas. Three game skid or not, the stats are saying that this is still one of the best defenses in the league.

Advantage: Tie. So the passing game is great and the running game stinks. What else is new? The offensive unit, led by Philip Rivers, has been effective all season. Usually, if the Chargers defense can hold the opponent under 30 points (which they couldn't the last time they faces the Broncos), there's a good chance the Bolts walk off the field with smiles on their faces. Unfortunately, that may not be the case when you're facing a strong defense on the road when they held you to 23 points when you played at home.

I have no idea who wins this game. I think the Chargers' momentum and the Broncos' home field advantage cancel each other out. I also think Orton and Simms are entirely capable of running the type of offense (short passes) that can just kill the Bolts. The key to this game, for me, is how often Ron Rivera turns up the blitz with Kevin Ellison, Eric Weddle, Steve Gregory and Paul Oliver.

Just like the last game was determined by who could score the most on special teams, I believe this game will be determined by who wins the turnover battle. The Chargers (+2) and the Broncos (+3) are pretty evenly matched in that regard. Actually, they're fairly evenly matched across the board. It should be a fun, competitive game.

Go Chargers.

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Good post, John...and Rec'd

The “horn” is hair, John…and The “Bronco” is not thin, just physically fit.

As for the game: It doesn’t get any bigger. For us especially. We have seen the Chargers do well late in the season, so this upcoming loss shouldn’t hurt you as much. You’ll do fine the rest of the way…probably a wild card.

We’ll take the AFC West, as it is rightfully ours.

Vinny Gambini: "Ms. Vito, Can you tell the court what this is a picture of?"
Ms. Vito: "Ya know what it's of"

by Bronco_Fan_Tom on Nov 20, 2009 7:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Saying that we will take the AFC West is one thing, but to call it "rightfully ours" is another.

While I’m not discounting that the broncos have a better chance of winning it this year than they did last year, nothing is “rightfully ours”. We have to win more games than the Chargers in order to win it. That’s just how it works.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 20, 2009 7:54 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs

I agree

It would be “rightfully yours” if you were going into this game with a 2 game lead or more. Going into it tied….I don’t think it’s rightfully anybody’s until about 7pm EST on Sunday.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 7:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Even then, there are still going to be 6 more games this season.

You can’t “rightfully” own the division title until every other team is mathematically out of contention for it. If the chargers win this game and lose their next 6 games and the broncos win 2 of 6, the broncos “rightfully own” the division title. Same goes for the opposite situation.

The fact of the matter is no game is a given in the NFL. Look at last week against the redskins. You can’t claim ownership of anything until the final whistle blows.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 20, 2009 7:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I definitely agree with you

Then it’s only “rightfully owned” for a few months. Its more like you are “rightfully borrowing” it. Kind of a dumb thing to say, not gonna lie.

Mountain West Connection ::Above the Rest::
Bolts From The Blue "There’s a gleam men. Let’s go get the gleam! Focus and Finish!!! One play at a time!!! Let's Go!!!"
Representing the San Diego State University Aztecs, home of the 2009 College Cheerleading National Champions in the all women's division.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 20, 2009 8:07 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

hahaha, that's a good way of putting it.

The AFC west is rightfully borrowed. I like that.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 20, 2009 8:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

As usual, KB...

…we disagree.
It is ours, and we will Take it!!

You need to have more faith in your team. You also need to concentrate your responses to the opposition rather than always at me.

I’ll be happy to spar with John and Company, but I’m not getting into with you again. You, my friend are way too fickle.

Vinny Gambini: "Ms. Vito, Can you tell the court what this is a picture of?"
Ms. Vito: "Ya know what it's of"

by Bronco_Fan_Tom on Nov 20, 2009 7:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I do have faith in this team. I just disagree with the way you go about talking to opposing fans.

Claiming that the the division is “rightfully ours” in another team’s blog is borderline trolling. You’d be kicked out of the bears blog already, IMO.

While I do have faith in this team, I also like to take a realistic approach. I’m not going to go out on a limb and say that the Broncos are going to the Super Bowl this year, on sunday I am going to be yelling and cheering and screaming as much as anybody, if not more. I do believe that the broncos will be close in this game and it will not be a blow out either way. I don’t know if I am going to pick them to win because I don’t know Orton’s injury status. I definitely think that this game could go either way, though. Trust me, though. I do want the broncos to win and I have “faith” that we will be in every game with a chance to win it.

The charger fans here are a lot like bronco fans at MHR. They are always willing to talk or debate football, whether it be about matchups or strategy or injuries or whatever. However, saying that the West is “rightfully ours” is just false. It isn’t ours until we take it.

When monday rolls around, that is when you can say things like that (not here, though, because that would be blatant trolling).

We are coming out of a three game skid. Now is not the time to be saying things are “rightfully ours”. We have to go out and take it, first.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 20, 2009 8:10 AM PST up reply actions 10 recs

This will be green in 3…..2…..

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 8:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

John

I appreciate you deleting my response to KB. He is right. We don’t know who will win this game, therefore we should not choose a side…but rather stand on top of the fence until the game is played. Good strategy, will they allow this in Vegas for betting purposes?

Vinny Gambini: "Ms. Vito, Can you tell the court what this is a picture of?"
Ms. Vito: "Ya know what it's of"

by Bronco_Fan_Tom on Nov 20, 2009 8:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If your point is not to debate and share information, but rather root for your team and say things like the division is “rightfully ours”, you should do so at MHR. KB is right when he says it’s borderline trolling. If the point was not to start a fight with Chargers fans, you should not have posted it here.

I deleted your comment because it was an attack on KB. Another negative, attacking comment from you and you will be banned from BFTB. There’s no place for fighting here.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 9:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok, John, fair enough

It was NEVER my intention to start a fight here. I have enjoyed our banter in the past, and gained from your knowledge.

I do, however, think KB and now you have become way too sensitive to a fan’s passion.

No need to ban me. I’m banning myself. I will not be back.

Thanks for the memories…and SERIOUSLY, Good Luck Sunday…may the best team win!!

Kind Regards,

Tom Rose

Vinny Gambini: "Ms. Vito, Can you tell the court what this is a picture of?"
Ms. Vito: "Ya know what it's of"

by Bronco_Fan_Tom on Nov 20, 2009 9:31 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Fan’s passion in another fan’s house is a problem. Our banter at MHR was different.

You really don’t need to ban yourself, just keep others in mind when you comment.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 10:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Different? why? because Charger fans are more sensitive? Please.

Give your “following” more credit, John.

Oh, and save the Lecture for your children, or Church.

I will not be back, seriously…what a joke.

*Please delete, you must save face.

Vinny Gambini: "Ms. Vito, Can you tell the court what this is a picture of?"
Ms. Vito: "Ya know what it's of"

by Bronco_Fan_Tom on Nov 20, 2009 1:30 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Let it be known that rather than hiding this we’ll leave it up so that everyone knows what kind of guy Bronco_Fan_Tom is.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Nov 20, 2009 1:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I can solve this

I will start a new blog that is blog for all NFLfans. People who post must declare their team loyalty in their profile. Any time fan posts something it automatically transform their comment into one of three phrases chosen at random (replace Team X with their favorite team):
“Team X rules!”
“Team X is awesome!”
“Team X is gonna own you!”

This blog will satisfy Bronco_Fan_Tom’s needs for posting stuff and he can enjoy the banter he desires.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Nov 20, 2009 2:06 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs

I think its more of this

You are saying the division is “rightfully yours” on a chargers blog, while you are entitled to your opinion that comment on another teams blog would most likely piss some people off and start a fight.

KB and John just wanted to stop it before a fight ensued. Good luck this Sunday may the best team win.

by Dude52089 on Nov 20, 2009 3:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I've got to agree with KB and John.

Fans of opponents should not come over to the other side’s site and troll. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, they should act like guests because that’s what they are.

I’ve been a Broncos fan since the 60’s but I’ve also been a Chargers fan for about as long. There is some good history and tradition over here and the folks at this site seem to be willing to talk football. All they’re asking is a little respect and that is more than reasonable.

John Gilmore

If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!

by Trinidad Jack on Nov 20, 2009 3:40 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs

Not to pile on Bronco Fan Tom

but I’m not even going to say the division is “rightfully ours” as a CHARGER fan on OUR site!… (At least not this year — see below….)

The “ownership” of the division thing only makes sense if you’ve had something stolen from you like with the Raiders’ Holy Roller play back in the ’70’s…. Three decades later, and I’m still fuming about that one … (even though the current Raiders are so poor now…)….

Or, returning to the scene of the crime from last year, dare I mention Hochuli?…

Given that abomination, with what happened in the last game last year, I’d say in last year’s regular season finale we took what was “rightfully ours” at that point…. But this year’s a whole new deal….

by jctess on Nov 20, 2009 11:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

DAMN...I always miss the fights now.

HUSTLE MADE ENT. NEW TRACK...CHECK FOR IT...NOTHING BUT THAT KILLA CALI FIRE FO SHO!!! http://www.myspace.com/jayoh1ne

by Gorditoe1 on Nov 21, 2009 1:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He's not a TROLL, he's engaged in authentic debate.

by SJO on Nov 23, 2009 2:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not a Bronco Horn, or Hair, or Unicorn or anything like that.

The donkey is snorting out smoke from his nose, you know like a bull charge….

by SJO on Nov 23, 2009 2:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

This is going to be a really tough game.

Simms or Orton, they’re going to come out with 2-3 step drops and quick passes underneath. We don’t defend well against that, and it’s tough to get a pass rush going when the quarterback gets rid of the ball in 1-2 seconds.

What we need to do is stay out of 2nd and 3rd and 4 yards or less. Last time they converted 3rd down after 3rd down by using that formula, as they were consistently in 3rd and less than 5.

by Zach (maestro876) on Nov 20, 2009 7:53 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I agree 100%

The one thing that gives me encouragement is Weddle. He seems to be laying some lumber lately, and one big hit over the middle (like the one on Boss) can absolutely destroy a short passing game.

The Steelers and Ravens, who play a more physical defense than the Chargers, were much worse matchups for the Broncos than we are.

I’m not predicting a Broncos victory. I just think this game will come down to whoever gets luckiest (or makes a big play) with 5 minutes or less left in the 4th quarter.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 7:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly, John...

…I think it will come down to one thing: who is our QB.
I have never, and will never bash my Broncos but…Chris Simms is not a good QB. I have never liked him. My main problem with him was magnified last week. How can a professional QB (backup) be soooooo unprepared to play? He is pathetic. I have problems with his release (not a fan of southpaws anyway), his patience, his accuracy, his footwork, and his heritage (a long forgotten SB). In McDs system…if he starts (ugh)…he may do ok.
Regardless who starts for us…the Defense wins this one. Perhaps another Special Teams Miracle wouldn’t hurt, as well.

Vinny Gambini: "Ms. Vito, Can you tell the court what this is a picture of?"
Ms. Vito: "Ya know what it's of"

by Bronco_Fan_Tom on Nov 20, 2009 8:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think you can judge Simms based off his past play (in a completely different system) and then his play in the 2nd half, coming off the bench with the team already down. I’m of the opinion that most starting QBs wouldn’t make for great backup QBs. Anyways, I’m sure there were a lot of people that had problems with Kyle Orton because of those issues you have with Simms, but McDaniels runs a QB-friendly system that Simms will do fine in once he gets a full week of practice under his belt.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 8:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed...with hope

But he just looked soooo bad. In addition, his demeanor on the sideline was offputting. He was over there smiling and joking around during and after that performance. I’m not looking for Cutler-ish pouting, but have some humility, Chris…you stunk it up.
He made some comments at a press conference that also makes me cringe: Initially he took no responsibility for his play, then went on to say he feels good, has taken all the first team reps, and will be ready. THEN, he says " I’m all greased up and ready to play, so if Kyle is able to start, it’s all for naught"
WHAT? Getting prepared to come in when needed is all for naught? grrrr

Vinny Gambini: "Ms. Vito, Can you tell the court what this is a picture of?"
Ms. Vito: "Ya know what it's of"

by Bronco_Fan_Tom on Nov 20, 2009 8:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, according to Football Outsider's "Injury Expert" Will Carroll

Orton’s Grade II sprain will keep him out this weekend "barring miracle."

So at least we know that Richard and Wonko think he is out for Sunday.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 20, 2009 9:01 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs

haha

by Richard Wade on Nov 20, 2009 1:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You know what's interesting?

I watched Inside the NFL and they were trying to poke Phil Simms into saying something about the game or something about his son and he (amazingly for him) kept his mouth shut.

If you can’t say anything nice, I guess.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Nov 20, 2009 10:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure Star Wars isn't inappropriate.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 20, 2009 7:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Sam...

I could’nt have nailed the brevity of this game any better…STAR WARS it is.

Vinny Gambini: "Ms. Vito, Can you tell the court what this is a picture of?"
Ms. Vito: "Ya know what it's of"

by Bronco_Fan_Tom on Nov 20, 2009 8:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was talking about my hidden comment, but that works too.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 20, 2009 8:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It wasn’t hidden because of Star Wars. It was hidden because the image was blocked, so it no longer made sense.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 8:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh. Well most people will get it without the picture anyway. Stupid picture.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 20, 2009 8:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't get it.

"Live to love and love to live"!

by Desyrel on Nov 20, 2009 9:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's because you didn't read it.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 20, 2009 9:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Post it again

without the picture.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 9:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I did at the bottom

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 20, 2009 9:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was just trying to be funny Sam.

"Live to love and love to live"!

by Desyrel on Nov 20, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh. Sorry Desyrel.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 20, 2009 11:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

This VVV

I believe this game will be determined by who wins the turnover battle.

And if the Chargers lose this, they lose the top tiebreaker, it’s like a two game swing.

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Nov 20, 2009 8:07 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

The issue when the Chargers have the ball

revolves around whether we can protect Philip. Last time in the second half, the Broncos rushed 4, we max protected, and Rivers still got sacked 4 times while he waited for intermediate and deep routes to develop.

It seemed to me that Turner adjusted to this somewhat over the last couple weeks—when faced with heavy blitzing by the Giants and Eagles he called quicker passes and shorter developing routes. We need to see that again this week, especially if they start getting the kind of pressure they did last time.

It was so frustrating watching Turner refuse to alter the gameplan despite the offensive line getting beat horribly every play. Take a page from their book—when the rush gets bad, get rid of the ball quicker!

by Zach (maestro876) on Nov 20, 2009 8:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

A semi-productive running game also protects Rivers.

"Live to love and love to live"!

by Desyrel on Nov 20, 2009 9:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

what i'm interested to see...

is if last weeks performance by LT will be a continuing trend…i thought about it this way…if the running game hasn’t been successful up til now and LT hasn’t had a good game to this point, how much time have they really spent on it in practice before now?…and how much of a confidence boost is it for the o-line to see LT get his money?…perhaps that performance can be a catalyst for the rest of the season and make our offense more balanced heading into the post-season…that’s the hope anyway…also, john, i was wondering what the ranking for the broncos d was during their last three games compared to the stats you listed above

"that wasn't a very good start to us getting our lives together. i didn't even go to work today."

...ya'll are brutalizing me... ronnie dobbs

by notorioushbi on Nov 20, 2009 10:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No Clue

They’ve given up 27 or more points per game in the last 3, so I’m going to go with “Not Good”.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 12:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't count on the run

I know they’re going to try it, and they totally should, given that we had our best game with the run last week (or at least LT had his best game of the year) AND the Broncos have been trending down run defense-wise, but they’d better not get too caught up in that. OK, sure, if Orton or Simms is stinking it up and turning it over and/or we’re getting 3-and-outs, fine, we can try to pound it; but, as John said at the top, don’t be fooled: the Chargers running game is still not good.

On the MHR site, somebody correctly posted that he didn’t know what to expect in terms of this match-up: LT could go crazy for 150 yards, or they might shut him down to about 30…. I’ll go with the ‘safe’ prediction that LT’ll have about 20 carries for about 70 yards. Could be a bit more or less; but unless he breaks off a really big one (which seems unlikely against the Broncos pretty good secondary), I’ll be very pleasantly surprised if it’s much more than that.

by jctess on Nov 20, 2009 11:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I actually think that was more Rivers than Turner. When you see a blitz, you’re supposed to throw to your hot receiver and Philip never seemed to do that (and don’t try to convince me that he didn’t have one). Now it seems like if he sees a blitzer that’s unaccounted for, he finds whoever is coming across the middle and hits them with a quick pass.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 9:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I watched that game with a friend who played football in college as a QB

and he told me the formations and routes he saw said they didn’t have a hot receiver, that they were just trying to pick up all the blitzers.

Obviously he isn’t the end-all-be-all of football analysis, but that’s what I was basing my opinion off.

by Zach (maestro876) on Nov 20, 2009 9:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was of the understanding that there was a hot receiver on every play. I also thought (and maybe this came from watching too much Manning/Harrison) that even if it’s not on, it’s the receiver’s job to make his route short if he spots the blitz.

I, however, did not play college football. So I’m sure I’m wrong.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 9:46 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

I would agree with you for the most part that normally there are hot receivers but there were a couple of plays where it looked like they were just routes that needed to develop more.

by Dude52089 on Nov 20, 2009 9:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't play college football either

(or else I’d probably be an even bigger Brees and Orton fan)

But I would imagine that you would typically only need a hot receiver if you knew that a blitz could have more guys coming that guys blocking. Say if you kept 5 in protection, but the defense had 6-8 guys near the line of scrimmage. If you were in a max protect with 7 or 8 blockers, then you might not want a hot route given your limited amount of options and trust that your max protect scheme will pick them all up. I don’t recall the play you’re talking about, but that’s just my thoughts on the matter.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Nov 20, 2009 10:29 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

That's true

There definitely wouldn’t be a hot WR with a max protection scheme called.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 10:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's exactly what my friend said at the time.

They were max protecting, and so they didn’t have a hot receiver. And time and again it lead to sacks and bad throws due to pressure. Our linemen were just getting their asses handed to them by the Broncos’ rushers, no matter how many of them there were. If that happens again, Turner really needs to alter the scheme and start getting the ball out faster.

by Zach (maestro876) on Nov 20, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

They've done that at times (get the ball out quick)

Osi Umenyiora was on Inside the NFL after the Giants loss to us and was asked about the final Chargers drive and how come they didn’t get pressure. His first response was that Rivers was getting the ball out in 2-point-something (I don’t remember the exact number) seconds and that’s not enough time for the pass rush. And, then he went into Bull Durham media mode and said how it doesn’t matter and they still have to get there because winners find ways to blah blah blah. But, the important part is that he knew the Chargers were “attacking” the rush by getting the ball out fast.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Nov 20, 2009 12:22 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs

Glad to hear it. Hopefully it continues.

by Zach (maestro876) on Nov 20, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It better!

This is one adjustment Norv has made since the Bronco game — to his credit. That he didn’t make it during the 1st Bronco game was maddening, and it may be why we lost. (Of course and the two Eddie Royal returns.)

by jctess on Nov 20, 2009 10:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 20, 2009 8:59 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

by Richard Wade on Nov 20, 2009 1:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Finally.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 20, 2009 6:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Good Post

I like all of the stats and the points made. I believe the Chargers are for real now and have what it takes to win.

I hope it is a good blow-out like the last meeting last year when the Dung-heaps were beaten down.

by iliketowinallthetime on Nov 20, 2009 10:54 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Welcome to BFTB

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 20, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Aerial view of Invesco Field at Mile High

The weather looks like its going to be nice for Sundays game against the unicorns.

This blog has devolved into UT like, uncerebral blabber

by soulSD on Nov 20, 2009 12:14 PM PST reply actions 2 recs

Please Norv

No huddle offense.

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Nov 20, 2009 12:23 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Doubt it

If he plays no-huddle, there’s too many mismatches sitting on the bench (Naanee, Manumaleuna, Tolbert, etc.)

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 12:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You can play no huddle

And sub guys in and out. The Colts do it a lot I think.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Nov 20, 2009 12:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Apparently doing it in the second half works.

That’s what Baltimore and Pittsburgh did to them, and their defense got gassed real quick.

by Zach (maestro876) on Nov 20, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I feel like that’s something you need to practice for more than a week to get right.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 20, 2009 12:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Defending a no-huddle?

Or running a no-huddle?

by Zach (maestro876) on Nov 20, 2009 1:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yes

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Nov 20, 2009 2:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If the Bolts don't win the turnover battle, smart use of the no-huddle could still get us the win.

No-huddle doesn’t mean you run the 2-minute drill all the way down the field (although the Chargers are excellent in that situation). I know everyone here knows that, but you can run no-huddle even just 2 or 3 plays at a time, and then go back to huddling up. I’ve been saying they should try this more for weeks, and the Broncos have been hurt by it. There isn’t any reason not to try it on a drive or two per half in my opinion (outside of the end of the half).

The Chargers are good in the hurry-up, the Broncos are mediocre (at best) in defending against it, and the Chargers have had too many 3-and-outs doing it the “normal” way anyway, so why not let Philip rip?… Try it once with LT in as a single back, with Legedu in as the 3rd receiver, and see how it goes; sub in Manumaleuna or Tolbert for Legedu later in the sequence, and then go back to Legedu…. If you get the right Bronco D on the field, you can even go wildcat (or wild frog, whatever you want to call it).

Maybe at Week 10 you still don’t want to show everything, but this game is as important as it gets. As Brian said above, if you lose this, it may look as though you’re only 1 game back, but it’d really be 2 because of getting swept in the head-to-head. Be BOLD, Norv: come on, you can do it!

by jctess on Nov 20, 2009 10:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sproles would be good in the no-huddle, too, of course (IMO).

And of course you can use draw plays out of the no-huddle, with a single back, too, if it really gets going….

I have faith in Rivers and the personnel that they can run it effectively. (Wouldn’t you think the coaches would?…)

And as part of a no-huddle OR NOT, why have we yet to see 4 WR’s plus Gates in a spread formation all season?… I don’t want to see it all the time, but just once in a while…. They must be holding back, don’t you think?…

by jctess on Nov 20, 2009 10:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Running it. Although after I posted the comment I thought to myself about how often the team runs it’s 2 minute drill in practice, which isn’t much different I guess.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Nov 21, 2009 2:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

the no-huddle worked well

For the Ravens & Steelers vs. Denver. Kept them from being able to get the defensive sets that they wanted. If Norv reviewed those games, which I would certainly would think that he did, he’ll see that it was very effective.

Rivers is certainly capable of making it work & it doesn’t have to be all of the time.

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Nov 21, 2009 6:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Bronco hair

Yo, as a unicorn expert, I can tell you with certainty that ain’t a unicorn.

It’s a Bronco, and Broncos have to have poppin’ bangs. I mean you ain’t a Bronco unless your bangs pop. See this example? Not quite poppin’. Needs more pop.