:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3532209/156666304.0.jpg)
Defense does what it can for anemic Bolts - Kevin Acee
The defense wasn’t perfect. There were, as has been the case in many games, some gigantic gaffes. But it was, for the second straight week, stout enough that it’s the offense that takes the brunt of the blame.
Chargers know AFC West title is lost - Michael Gehlken
Any hopes San Diego had to win its first AFC West title since 2009 essentially ended Sunday, as it couldn't slow a Broncos team that continues to roll. The Chargers fell 30-23 and must now make up four games in six weeks.
Chargers an offensive mess put together by A.J. Smith - Kevin Acee
All Rivers meant was that it takes a while for an offense with so many new parts to get in sustained rhythm. But I will add that many of the new players simply don’t even deserve to wear the same uniform worn by Vincent Jackson and Darren Sproles, Kris Dielman and Marcus McNeill.
Denver Downs Chargers in Key AFC West Clash - Ricky Henne
Unfortunately, things took a dramatic swing in the second quarter as the Broncos scored 17 points to take a 17-7 lead. A couple of big blunders by the Bolts proved to be their undoing as Philip Rivers threw an interception deep in the Chargers own territory while the team also gave up a blocked punt for the second straight game.
Defense Steps Up but Offense Can't Capitalize - Ricky Henne
"I thought defensively our guys did an awfully good job giving us a chance and keeping us in the game," head coach Norv Turner said to open his postgame press conference. "Defensively, plays we made gave us a chance to stay in the game. We just didn’t make enough plays offensively to win the game."
Three Plays in a Row Turn Tide Against Chargers - Ricky Henne
With the offense struggling to get any momentum, the tide turning series of events proved to be the turning point of the game. Afterwards, Antonio Gates expressed how those same mistakes keep occurring for the Bolts, leading to similar results week after week.
Broncos have stranglehold on division - Bill Williamson
Heading into Thanksgiving, there is very little intrigue in this division. It is Denver’s to lose. The Broncos put a stranglehold on their second straight division title Sunday with a 30-23 win over the visiting San Diego Chargers in a game the Broncos controlled much more than the scoreboard indicated.
Rapid Reaction: Broncos 30, Chargers 23 - Bill Williamson
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. He has committed 43 turnovers since the start of the 2011 season. It leads the NFL.