Bolts From The Blue - Game Day Coverage: San Diego Chargers at Denver BroncosAn Unofficial Los Angeles Chargers Blog Created By The Fans, For The Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47753/btfb-fv.png2017-09-12T09:59:07-07:00http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/rss/stream/34267512017-09-12T09:59:07-07:002017-09-12T09:59:07-07:00PODCAST: Same old Chargers in MNF loss to Broncos
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QXXNrRmtZgTYpI-Rg1uII4FKTYc=/0x0:4054x2703/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56639101/usa_today_10274899.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Even with a new home city, the Los Angeles Chargers looked awfully familiar in their loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 1.</p> <p id="AObQIH">Well, that was stupid.</p>
<p id="IFCPJP">The <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>, that have gone 10-27 in their last 37 games, were supposed to be better in 2017. Here are any number of reasons that people gave for that:</p>
<ul>
<li id="TTHFMi">
<strong>Better coaching!</strong> Anthony Lynn was seen as an improvement over Mike McCoy, and Gus Bradley was thought to be an improvement over John Pagano.</li>
<li id="V0RrBk">
<strong>Better offensive line!</strong> Despite the fact that there was really only one (maybe) improvement year-over-year once <span>Forrest Lamp</span> went down with his injury, many thought <span>Philip Rivers</span> would be safer this season.</li>
<li id="VQVUhr">
<strong>Better luck!</strong> Surely, <span>Keenan Allen</span> and <span>Jason Verrett</span> wouldn’t go down with injuries again. Surely, balls bouncing off the fingertips of defensive backs would turn into interceptions, and fumble luck would bounce back in the direction of the Chargers.</li>
<li id="9dm4GH">
<strong>Better city!</strong> Seriously, people thought that without the burden of “San Diego” and its stadium issues hanging over the players/coaches and their families, they’d be freed up to play some dang football.</li>
</ul>
<p id="ieMiAf">Whoops.</p>
<div id="4tooeg"><iframe width="100%" height="300" style="background-color:transparent; display:block; padding: 0; max-width: 700px;" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" src="//embeds.audioboom.com/posts/6293228-locked-on-chargers-september-12-same-old-chargers-lose-to-the-broncos-24-21-on-mnf/embed/v4?eid=AQAAAEAQuFnsBmAA" title="audioBoom player"></iframe></div>
<p id="6GD9FR"><br>The team looked no better, no more prepared, no luckier or less burdened by stadium issues in San Diego. The team looked the same in 2017 as it looked in 2016 and 2015. </p>
<p id="i2B21P">Maybe it’s going to take a while to turn around this ship.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2017/9/12/16296178/podcast-same-old-chargers-in-mnf-loss-to-broncosJohn Gennaro2017-09-11T09:51:19-07:002017-09-11T09:51:19-07:00PODCAST: Chargers/Broncos Game Preview
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<img alt="NFL: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_fEBMe-gK85eI6522ZEJemnlcqE=/0x0:2813x1875/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56619357/usa_today_9664568.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>John Gennaro and Cody Roark from Locked On Broncos break down Week 1's Monday Night Football matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos.</p> <p id="fr4Zap">Ahead of tonight’s game between the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> and <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>, I joined Cody Roark from the <em>Locked On Broncos</em> podcast to help preview the action.</p>
<p id="VUnESY">Most interestingly, I thought, was the similarities we were able to come up with between the Broncos and Chargers. Both are teams that are counting on big things from first-year head coaches and new coordinators. Both are teams that are relying heavily on rebuilt offensive lines to protect their QB and open lanes for their RBs.</p>
<p id="8bG4xD">It’s going to be an interesting matchup in Denver on Monday night.</p>
<div id="USpiLd"><iframe width="100%" height="300" style="background-color:transparent; display:block; padding: 0; max-width: 700px;" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" src="//embeds.audioboom.com/posts/6286646-locked-on-chargers-september-11-chargers-broncos-game-preview/embed/v4?eid=AQAAAFhstVk27V8A" title="audioBoom player"></iframe></div>
<p id="Ixf811"><br>If it’s not completely evident, I am in the part of the season where I am overconfident about the Chargers’ chances against teams that don’t have good QBs. Let’s see if the team breaks my spirit yet again this year!</p>
<p id="QLpUb8">Also, as I mention in the intro to today’s podcast, I have recently signed on to be the producer of <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nfl-game-theory-and-money/id1277214624?mt=2">a new NFL Networks podcast</a>. If you like stats and analytics, specifically of the predictive sort, please give it a whirl and subscribe to it if you like it. Thanks!</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2017/9/11/16288868/podcast-chargers-broncos-game-previewJohn Gennaro2012-11-18T16:48:37-08:002012-11-18T16:48:37-08:00Chargers Lose to Broncos, 30-23
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<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
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<p>The defense largely contained Manning and made plays, but couldn't overcome a terrible day by the offense.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego Chargers</a> played one of their worst offensive games of the Norv Turner era. Today's loss has all but assured the Chargers of a third straight season without a playoff appearance and likely was the final nail in the coffin of Turner's tenure as Chargers head coach.</p>
<p>The offensive line couldn't open holes for <span>Ryan Mathews</span> or <span>Jackie Battle</span> to run through and they were even less capable of providing <span>Philip Rivers</span> with time to find open receivers. The protection was so bad that when they did give him time, he couldn't trust it to hold up and still rushed his throws.</p>
<p>The defense allowed 24 points, but was still impressive given how little time they were given to rest between defensive series. They also accounted for all nine of the team's scores prior to Denver going into a pseudo prevent defense in the second half of the third quarter. You could tell they had eased up because Meachem caught a pass during the drive.</p>
<p><span>Marcus Gilchrist</span> had by far his best game of the year and possibly the best game of his career providing adequate to good coverage, bringing pressure as a blitzer, making at least one very good stop on third down and of course tipping the pass that <span>Eric Weddle</span> turned into a pick six on Denver's second offensive possession.</p>
<p>Not even a successful onside kick attempt to open the second half and a sack safety by <span>Shaun Phillips</span> were enough to make this game truly competitive as the offense was completely ineffective for the game's first 40 minutes.</p>
<p>Danario Alexander's touchdown near the end of the 3rd quarter temporarily gave the game the illusion of being close, but it was not to be as Manning marched the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> down the field to set up a field goal that made it a two score game again.</p>
<p>The offense wasn't able to mount a scoring drive again until it was too late and the team's last chance to win was gone just like that. Ultimately, the game wasn't nearly as close as the (not even all that close) final score.</p>
<p>Chargers fans are at the point of looking to next year now. Who are your top choices for GM and Head Coach right now?</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2012/11/18/3663588/san-diego-chargers-lose-to-denver-broncos-30-16Richard Wade2012-11-18T15:01:10-08:002012-11-18T15:01:10-08:00Game Thread: Chargers at Broncos (2nd Half)
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<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
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<p>This game is much closer than it deserves to be. Can the Chargers stay in the game in the second half?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> headed to the locker room at the end of the first half on the short-end of a 17-7 score. The game hasn't been nearly as close as the score would indicate.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> have looked dominant over the Chargers in 2 of the 3 phases of the game. Denver's special teams has looked a little shaky: <span>Trindon Holliday</span> had a a near-muffed punt and <span>Matt Prater</span> clanged a 55-yard field goal attempt off the upright. Though, the Chargers did their best to give the Broncos the edge there too as they allowed a blocked punt for the second straight week.</p>
<p>Chargers offense: 54 total yards; 1 interception; 2 first downs (1 off penalty); 1.9 average yards gained per play; 0-for-8 on third down. I would not call that successful by any measure of the word. The Chargers offense has not looked good <i>at all</i>, the offensive line has not given Rivers any time to throw and there is no semblance of a running game coming out of the San Diego backfield. In fact, bad Rivers showed up to throw a ridiculous interception across the middle of the field on first down. The only first down the Chargers actually converted themselves came within the 1st minute of the game. Awful.</p>
<p>Really, the Chargers defense is the only thing keeping the team in this game. As the only Chargers score in the game came on a Weddle returned a tipped ball — courtesy of <span>Marcus Gilchrist</span> — for a touchdown. Add in a recovered forced fumble, and the Chargers defense is certainly doing their best to give the Offense a chance.</p>
<p>Denver and San Diego seem to be polar opposites. Manning and the Broncos only get better as the game wears on, whereas Rivers and the Chargers only get worse as the game goes on. I don't have much confidence in the Chargers pulling this one out in the end, but I'd love to be proven wrong.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2012/11/18/3663228/game-thread-chargers-at-broncos-2nd-halfJohn Crean2012-11-18T12:49:50-08:002012-11-18T12:49:50-08:00Denver Broncos Inactives: Week 11
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<figcaption>Kevork Djansezian</figcaption>
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<p>The list of inactive Broncos is out</p> <p> </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">The following Broncos players will not suit up on Sunday:</span></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>QB Caleb Hanie</li>
<li>TE Julius Thomas</li>
<li>DT Sealver Siliga</li>
<li>WR Andre Caldwell</li>
<li>G Chris Kuper</li>
<li>CB Tracy Porter</li>
<li>RB Knowshon Moreno</li>
</ul>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/chargers-broncos-everything-you-need-to-know/2012/11/18/3662898/denver-broncos-inactives-week-11John Crean2012-11-18T12:30:06-08:002012-11-18T12:30:06-08:00Game Thread: Chargers at Broncos
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Peyton Manning, Denver altitude, AFC West Division at stake, Chargers left tackle, blah blah blah.</p> <h3>When San Diego Has the Ball</h3>
<p>Denver's defense is elite, most especially against the pass. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> smallest disadvantage is in the running game. We should expect to see that Tampa Bay game 35/65 run/pass balance flipped against Denver (doubtful right?). Denver is really good against WRs in the passing game, and weakest against TEs and RBs. Hopefully Antonio Gates can snap out of his funk, and <span>Ryan Mathews</span> can get established early.</p>
<p align="center"><style type="text/css">table.tableizer-table { border: 1px solid #CCC; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;} .tableizer-table td { padding: 4px; margin: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc;}.tableizer-table th { background-color: #104E8B; color: #FFF; font-weight: bold;}</style></p>
<table class="tableizer-table" align="center"><tbody> <tr class="tableizer-firstrow"> <th>Den Defense</th> <th>DVOA</th> <th>Rank</th> <th>Yards/Game</th> <th>Rank</th> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Run</strong></td> <td align="center">-15.9%</td> <td align="center">#10</td> <td align="center">98</td> <td align="center">#10</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Pass</strong></td> <td align="center">-16.1%</td> <td align="center">#4</td> <td align="center">218</td> <td align="center">#11</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Overall</strong></td> <td align="center">-16.0%</td> <td align="center">#4</td> <td align="center">317</td> <td align="center">#6</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<p align="center"><style type="text/css">table.tableizer-table { border: 1px solid #CCC; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;} .tableizer-table td { padding: 4px; margin: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc;}.tableizer-table th { background-color: #104E8B; color: #FFF; font-weight: bold;}</style></p>
<table class="tableizer-table" align="center"><tbody> <tr class="tableizer-firstrow"> <th>SD Offense</th> <th>DVOA</th> <th>Rank</th> <th>Yards/Game</th> <th>Rank</th> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Run</strong></td> <td align="center">-12.0%</td> <td align="center">#23</td> <td align="center">106</td> <td align="center">#18</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Pass</strong></td> <td align="center">6.8%</td> <td align="center">#20</td> <td align="center">229</td> <td align="center">#16</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Overall</strong></td> <td align="center">-7.2%</td> <td align="center">#22</td> <td align="center">335</td> <td align="center">#22</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<p align="center"><style type="text/css">table.tableizer-table { border: 1px solid #CCC; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;} .tableizer-table td { padding: 4px; margin: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc;}.tableizer-table th { background-color: #104E8B; color: #FFF; font-weight: bold;}</style></p>
<table class="tableizer-table" align="center"><tbody> <tr class="tableizer-firstrow"> <th>Den DVOA</th> <th>vs Skill Players</th> <th>in Passing Game</th> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>WR1</strong></td> <td align="center">-5.3%</td> <td align="center">#10</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>WR2</strong></td> <td align="center">-14.0%</td> <td align="center">#8</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Other WR</strong></td> <td align="center">-41.2%</td> <td align="center">#2</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>TE</strong></td> <td align="center">1.4%</td> <td align="center">#18</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>RB</strong></td> <td align="center">-8.5%</td> <td align="center">#12</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<h3>When Denver Has the Ball</h3>
<p>The San Diego rush defense is above average against the run statistically, and a bottom feeder at pass defense. Denver is a bottom feeder rushing team and elite passing the ball. This is an amazing flip for Denver from 2011 where they were such a strong running team. In the passing game, San Diego covers tight ends decently, but gets murdered by WR1's and Running Backs.</p>
<p align="center"><style type="text/css">table.tableizer-table { border: 1px solid #CCC; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;} .tableizer-table td { padding: 4px; margin: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc;}.tableizer-table th { background-color: #104E8B; color: #FFF; font-weight: bold;}</style></p>
<table class="tableizer-table" align="center"><tbody> <tr class="tableizer-firstrow"> <th>SD Defense</th> <th>DVOA</th> <th>Rank</th> <th>Yards/Game</th> <th>Rank</th> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Run</strong></td> <td align="center">16.0%</td> <td align="center">#9</td> <td align="center">93</td> <td align="center">#2</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Pass</strong></td> <td align="center">17.7%</td> <td align="center">#26</td> <td align="center">234</td> <td align="center">#18</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Overall</strong></td> <td align="center">4.0%</td> <td align="center">#21</td> <td align="center">317</td> <td align="center">#7</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<p align="center"><style type="text/css">table.tableizer-table { border: 1px solid #CCC; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;} .tableizer-table td { padding: 4px; margin: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc;}.tableizer-table th { background-color: #104E8B; color: #FFF; font-weight: bold;}</style></p>
<table class="tableizer-table" align="center"><tbody> <tr class="tableizer-firstrow"> <th>Den Offense</th> <th>DVOA</th> <th>Rank</th> <th>Yards/Game</th> <th>Rank</th> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Run</strong></td> <td align="center">-15.0%</td> <td align="center">#26</td> <td align="center">102</td> <td align="center">#21</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Pass</strong></td> <td align="center">52.5%</td> <td align="center">#2</td> <td align="center">293</td> <td align="center">#3</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Overall</strong></td> <td align="center">19.2%</td> <td align="center">#3</td> <td align="center">395</td> <td align="center">#3</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<p align="center"><style type="text/css">table.tableizer-table { border: 1px solid #CCC; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;} .tableizer-table td { padding: 4px; margin: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc;}.tableizer-table th { background-color: #104E8B; color: #FFF; font-weight: bold;}</style></p>
<table class="tableizer-table" align="center"><tbody> <tr class="tableizer-firstrow"> <th>SD DVOA</th> <th>vs Skill Players</th> <th>in Passing Game</th> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>WR1</strong></td> <td align="center">25.9%</td> <td align="center">#27</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>WR2</strong></td> <td align="center">-5.0%</td> <td align="center">#14</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Other WR</strong></td> <td align="center">-2.9%</td> <td align="center">#13</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>TE</strong></td> <td align="center">-13.9%</td> <td align="center">#8</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>RB</strong></td> <td align="center">15.4%</td> <td align="center">#25</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<p align="center"> </p>
<h3>Putting it Together:</h3>
<p>Chargers Running vs Denver Run Def: San Diego has a 13 DVOA rank 'deficit'</p>
<p>Chargers Passing vs Denver Pass Def: San Diego has a 16 DVOA rank 'deficit'</p>
<p>Denver Running vs San Diego Run Def: San Diego has a 15 DVOA rank 'advantage'</p>
<p>Denver Passing vs San Diego Pass Def: San Diego has a 24 DVOA rank 'deficit'</p>
<p>That puts San Diego at a cumulative 38 ranking spots behind in those 4 categories. It's certainly a limited, statistical view of things. But it demonstrates just how bad the outlook for today really is.</p>
<h3>Norv Turner Predictability Drinking Game*</h3>
<p>- A run up the middle on the first play of the game - 1 sip of beer<br>- Concession run on 3rd and long - 2 sips of beer<br>- Shotgun 4 wide passing plays on 3rd and short - 2 sips of beer<br>- Using Jackie Battle. Ever. - 1 sip of beer<br>- A fullback dive on 3rd and 1 - 1 shot<br>- A series where Turner completely abandons either run or pass - 1 shot<br>- A convincing, fully executed play fake in a running situation that causes a linebacker to bite - 1 shot<br>- Ryan Mathews disappears - 2 shots<br>- A wildcat play where Rivers looks bored and the defense ignores him, nullifying the man-on-man advantage the wildcat is supposed to create - 1 shot<br>- When a halftime two minute drill looks awesome - 1 sip of beer<br>- When a 4th quarter game winning/tying two minute drill fizzles just outside field goal rang - 3 shots<br>- Any fraidy cat, mincing, playing-not-to-lose 4th down decision - 1 shot</p>
<p><br>Please give us more reasons to imbibe to get the comments going!</p>
<p>* Please do not actually play this game as Norv Turner is likely to get you hospitalized, or worse.</p>
<p><em>Keep in mind that for defense DVOA, negative is good, while negative is bad for offense DVOA. All VOA, DVOA, YAR and DYAR statistical values are developed, calculated and reported by </em><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/" style="color: #c8181d ! important; text-decoration: none ! important; background-color: transparent;"><em>Football Outsiders</em></a><em>. Their explanation can be found <a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/methods#dvoa" target="_blank">here</a></em><em>.</em></p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2012/11/18/3660398/game-thread-chargers-at-broncosOrz2012-11-18T12:06:37-08:002012-11-18T12:06:37-08:00Chargers Inactives at Denver, Week 11
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<img alt="None of this from Franklin Today" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FMnx1IDhthldYSYCU7DyMoFg9CA=/0x50:4000x2717/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3496225/156037126.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>None of this from Franklin Today | J. Meric</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>One anchor from each line will be missing today. </p> <p><b>Chargers inactives: </b>Jared Gaither(!), Aubrayo Franklin(!!), Seyi Ajirotutu (eh), Brandon Taylor (yawn), Chris Carr(lol), Jonas Mouton(sigh), and Dante Rosario(nuts).</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Dante Rosario is out as well as Aubrayo Franklin, Seyi Ajirotutu, Chris Carr, Brandon Taylor, Jonas Mouton and Jared Gaither,</p>
— Ricky Henne (@ChargersRHenne) <a data-datetime="2012-11-18T20:00:34+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/ChargersRHenne/status/270255195827601408">November 18, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>This means that Ryan Mathews(!!!), Antonio Garay, Shareece Wright, Antwan Barnes (whee) and Ladarius Green (hmmm) are all playing today.</p>
<p>This guy gets it:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>INACTIVE for all 3rd down plays. RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/michael_fabiano">michael_fabiano</a>: Ryan Mathews is ACTIVE.</p>
— Oscar (@haha1721) <a data-datetime="2012-11-18T19:59:43+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/haha1721/status/270254983457431552">November 18, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Dumervil is giving it a go(cringe):</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Dj wiliams elvis dumervil both active</p>
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) <a data-datetime="2012-11-18T20:00:26+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/270255161916669953">November 18, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2012/11/18/3660266/chargers-inactives-at-denverOrz2012-11-16T14:11:22-08:002012-11-16T14:11:22-08:00San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos Injury Report
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lfdKJZafJkFKdbYGqrIbtrCfm4g=/0x51:4000x2718/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3395101/156037126.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>J. Meric</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There are some key injuries for Sunday's divisional match-up at Denver. Find out who and why and what may be done about it. </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;">This is the official injury report</h4>
<p> </p>
<table align="center" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>PLAYER</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>INJURY</b></td>
<td><b>THURSDAY PARTICIPATION</b></td>
<td><b>FRIDAY PARTICIPATION</b></td>
<td><b>FRIDAY STATUS</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DT-<span>Aubrayo Franklin</span>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Knee</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Did Not Participate</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Did Not Participate</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">OUT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LT-<span>Jared Gaither</span>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Groin</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Did Not Participate</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Did Not Participate</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">DOUBTFUL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RB-<span>Ryan Mathews</span>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Neck</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Did Not Participate</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Limited Participation</td>
<td>QUESTIONABLE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TE-Dante Rosario</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Hamstring</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Limited Participation</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Limited Participation</td>
<td>QUESTIONABLE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OLB-Antwan Barnes</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Hamstring</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Limited Participation</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Full Participation</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">PROBABLE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS-Atari Bigby</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Quad</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Limited Participation</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Limited Participation</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">PROBABLE</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>So, now the question is, who are this week's Expendables?</p>
<p>When you see that Nose Tackle Aubrayo Franklin is definitely not playing, you have to wonder how that will affect the defensive line. Without their best run stopper, players like <span>Cam Thomas</span>, <span>Antonio Garay</span> and rookie <span>Kendall Reyes</span> will have to step up and try to match his presence at the A gap.</p>
<p>While neither of those players can match Franklin's ability to dominate against the run, they are all superior pass rushers, which will be key against <span>Peyton Manning</span>. Stopping the run is most certainly important, but the rest of the team can somewhat make up for Franklin's loss. Pressuring Manning is the only way to have a chance to win that doesn't involve special teams miracles.</p>
<p>A few times this year, Defenseive coordinator John Pagano has sent out numerous variations of a front seven, so expect many new alignments if Franklin's replacements don't do as well as expected.</p>
<p>We already know that Rookie Mike Harris will be playing for Jared Gaither, which will really put a strain on <span>Philip Rivers</span>, and Ryan Mathews may give up some snaps to <span>Ronnie Brown</span> and <span>Jackie Battle</span> if his neck takes a few extra hits. If all goes to plan, Mathews will get 20 touches to keep the Denver pass rush from eliminating any rhythm for Rivers and co.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2012/11/16/3655382/san-diego-chargers-at-denver-broncos-injury-report-week-11Superduperboltman