2024 Week 6: Chargers 23, Broncos 16
The Chargers were up 23-0 to end the third quarter and then Denver went on a run as the Chargers defense let up. I think Denver played LA closer than the score indicates, LA just had more luck early in the game.
The Chargers improved to (3-2) and are currently in the playoffs and their schedule will help them get there. They’ll probably win 9 or 10 games and be the #2 team in the AFC West.
The Broncos' winning streak ended here and they are currently the first team out of the playoffs. I wouldn’t be surprised if they sneak into the playoffs as a wild-card team, Sean Payton has turned the Broncos around this year.
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QB Report:
- Bo Nix (19/33 for 216 yards, 2 TDs/1 INT, 6 rushes for 61 yards) has been coming along so well. He is throwing aggressively and is great at knowing when to tuck and run. He’s 6th in rushing yards for QBs. It’s tough to see Nix’s improvement on the stat sheet because of how awful this receiving group has been, but this is why we watch the film.
RB Report:
- Everyone seems to think rookie RB Audric Estime (2-13-0) is going to replace Javonte Williams (6-23-0, 3 catches for 13 yards) because Payton said he wanted to get their young players some work. I don’t think this is going to be the case, Estime is slower than molasses. He ran a 4.71 at the Combine. Estime should just be transitioned to full back.
Williams should have had another reception but he was just barely OB on one catch. Williams is becoming a bit of a breakout receiving back for Denver, he finally looks like he’s recovering from all of his injuries the past few years. This is the best he’s looked for a long time.
- Chargers rookie Kimani Vidal (4-11-0, 2 catches for 40 yards) had a big 38-yard reception on a wheel route to start his career, had a few touches in the run game, and then I don’t think he played in the second half. I don’t understand the usage for him, but maybe they’re afraid of him taking over JK Dobbins's (25-96-1) role? I’ll never be able to understand the minds of NFL coaches.
WR/TE Report:
- The return of Devaughn Vele (4-78-0/6) was a tad disappointing, he played a lot but it took until the 4th quarter for him to get a target. The first three-quarters of this game were really weird, Nix only had 3 completions by half and 5 by the end of the third quarter. As the Broncos were making their big comeback it was Vele leading the charge.
- Troy Franklin (2-31-1/6) was finally able to wrangle in that touchdown pass after dropping an easy one last week. Franklin has been coming along slowly and in a few weeks he could become the guy over Courtland Sutton (4-53-1/6).
D/ST Report:
- Both the Chargers and Broncos have stellar defenses, arguably the top two in the league. I’m not sure if LAC has the best talent on defense, but they are incredibly well-coached and tackle very well. They get low and hit with their shoulders unlike a lot of pro players do nowadays, just going for arm tackles. PFF has a missed tackle stat but it’s one of those things they track that is so subjective. They have LAC as the team with the 12th most missed tackles.
- Denver’s unit is more of a traditional ‘really good’ defense. They are 2nd in sacks and T-3rd in TFLs this year. They’re dominance is even more impressive when you consider their offense has punted more than anybody else this year.
image source: (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
