Chargers Power Play: Tebow to Decker

by John Gennaro on Nov 30, 2011 1:23 PM PST

Eric Decker #87 of the Denver Broncos makes a diving catch for a first down in front of Paul Oliver #27 of the San Diego Chargers during the fourth quarter. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The most powerful play of Sunday's game between the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos is again one where the Chargers failed to stop an opposing offense on a very important drive/play.

San Diego had a 3 point lead when they punted to Eddie Royal with 5:27 left in the fourth quarter. If the defense was able to stop the Broncos offense, which hadn't been very impressive, the Chargers win the game and end their losing streak at 5 games. The first two plays went according to plan, a 1 yard rush by Willis McGahee and Tim Tebow getting his for a loss of 2 yards.

With the clock ticking down to nearly 4 minutes left, the Broncos had to rely on their paltry passing game to get them out of a 3rd & 11 hole. The Chargers played zone coverage down the field, and rushed 4 guys who were more intent on keeping Tebow in the pocket than actually sacking him.

With plenty of time to progress through his reads, Tebow found his number 1 WR (Eric Decker) running downfield with single coverage against the Chargers backup Safety (Paul Oliver) and hit him with a perfect 39 yard pass to take the Broncos from their own 25 yard line to field goal range (the Chargers' 36 yard line).

After that, Tebow completed another pass, a 23-yarder to Dante Rosario, to make Matt Prater's field goal attempt that much easier. It was the pass to Decker, the result of a bad playcall and a hesitant pass-rush, that broke San Diego's back and turned a win into Overtime and, eventually, a win for Denver.

Here's video of the pass from Tim Tebow to Eric Decker

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Comments

Offense was the problem

To me the play that typified the loss was in overtime when Rivers dropped back and started bailing out to his right before there was any pressure whatsoever. He’s running scared and but a shadow of his former self when it comes to the red zone and clutch time. There’s no way Rivers + Gates + VJ + (any other receiver) should be held to one TD. The Denver D is good but not that good. Rivers doesn’t have his mojo. And Norv’s inability to creatively help him out isn’t helping.

by Robo65 on Nov 30, 2011 1:37 PM PST reply actions

Is that such a crazy strategy?

When Tebow is the opposing QB, why not containment rush and play zone? Let Tebow beat you with his arm not by some miracle scramble. Now, I’m not saying that the complete lack of a pass rush isn’t our main problem across the whole season. I’m just saying it doesn’t seem like playing contain against Tebow is a lunatic idea.

by Robo65 on Nov 30, 2011 1:40 PM PST reply actions