Broncos vs Chargers -- Week 3

This was a closer game than most fans and writers – including me – expected it to be. In some ways the San Diego Chargers actually played better defense against Denver this week (Week 3) than the Jacksonville Jaguars did during Week Two.

– Last week vs Jacksonville the Denver Broncos totaled 20 first downs. Against the Chargers they had eighteen.

– Last week Denver converted 33% of its 3rd downs. Against San Diego during Week 3 that feel to a humiliating 18% (2 of 11). The Chargers surpassed Denver, converting 6 of 15 (40%).







– Last week Denver controlled the ball for 37 minutes. This week they held it for 29:15. That’s right, the Chargers actually controlled the clock for longer than the Broncos, even while losing by 10 pts.

– Last week the Jags held Denver to 67 yds rushing. This week the Chargers allowed only 37.

Of course, that’s not the whole story.

– Jake Plummer completed an incredible 69% of his passes (25-36) for almost 300 yds, 2 TDs and no INTs.

For the third straight week Denver’s D held the opposing QB to just 50% completions (15-30).

Brees was also held to 129 passing yds and no TDs.

– Chargers QB Drew Brees was sacked 4 times.

Denver’s Jake Plummer went down just once.






The Chargers made an excellent showing, especially playing on the road, while a series of questions now must be asked regarding Denver’s running game.

1. After fumbling 3 times in three games (losing all three of them), is it time to consider easing Quentin Griffin’s load, even if he remains the starter?

2. Is it Griffin’s size or poor play calling in the running game that is primarily responsible for the poor rushing performance the past two weeks.

OC Gary Kubiak has been sending Q up the middle more often than might be wise when Q has repeatedly shown that he is not an especially good runner in traffic.

But Q also had problems running outside, today.

3. Is the center of Denver’s O line doing an adequate job of run blocking?

If not, has O Line coach Rick Dennison strayed too far from the methodology installed by O Line genius Alex Gibbs? Or is it a matter of having inadequate talent in at the Guard positions?