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    Sean Payton Highlights Big Key in Broncos Win Over Chargers

    Broncos' Biggest Studs & Duds in 24-7 Win Over Chargers

    The Denver Broncos received some Herculean individual performances in L.A.
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    Denver Broncos
    Denver Broncos

    The 1-5 Denver Broncos seems like such a long time ago. It was difficult to imagine that the Broncos could be challenging for an AFC West title back then, but the reality is they're only one game out of first place in the division.

    The Broncos kept pace with the playoff race with a convincing win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Denver finds itself in the mix and only a game out of first place in the AFC West. 

    Give credit to this team for figuring out the winning formula and its resiliency. As we sift through the aftermath of the Broncos' seventh win of the season, let's break down the studs of the game and a couple of players who need to improve.

    Stud: Sean Payton | HC

    Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.

    The Broncos could have folded up the tents long ago and given up hope, especially after the close loss to the Houston Texans, but they didn’t. Credit has to go to the head coach. 

    Payton turned this team around and has them believing that they can win. That was evident in this victory over the Chargers. 

    Adversity hit early in this contest, but the team stood strong, won, and forced its way into the playoff competition. This team knows it can win, and it proved it with a significant bounce-back performance. 

    Payton had a solid game plan and made many correct play calls on offense. Finally, a winning culture has been established after several years of mediocrity. 

    Stud: Vance Joseph | DC

    Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph reacts during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.

    After the miserable performance against the Miami Dolphins, the calls for Joseph's job were warranted. He wasn’t fired, though, and Broncos Country was rewarded with one of the best performances of the season. 

    The Broncos' defense manhandled the Chargers long before Justin Hebert was lost to injury. The huge defensive stand after the interception deep in Broncos territory was a thing of beauty. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the Chargers scored any points. 

    The defense forced L.A. to zero third-down conversions on 12 attempts and allowed only one conversion on fourth down, even though the Chargers tried six times. It was a masterful performance by the defense and kudos go to Joseph. 

    If this defense can keep it up, the AFC teams in the playoffs should be sweating the Broncos.

    Dud: Jerry Jeudy | WR

    Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) covers Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) during the first half at SoFi Stadium.

    Broncos Country was lamenting all week about what could have been if only Russell Wilson would have seen Jeudy wide open. Well, that issue was put to bed against the Chargers. 

    The offense force-fed Jeudy early, only to see him drop two catchable passes and not get his feet in bounds on an easy touchdown. He finished the game with only two catches for 16 yards on six targets. 

    Hopefully, he can become the receiver the team envisioned when it selected him in the first round, but right now, he is not a trustworthy target in the passing game.

    Stud: P.J. Locke | S

    Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) celebrates with linebacker Alex Singleton (49) after stopping a scoring chance by Los Angeles Chargers tight end Gerald Everett (7) during the first half at SoFi Stadium.

    Locke has become one of the Broncos' most valuable players on defense. He continues to make impact play after impact play. 

    A great blitzer and a sure tackler, Locke has forced his way into being a future stalwart of this club. He made seven total tackles and a sack against the Chargers. That sack forced a fumble and ended the game. 

    The entire defense was good, but Locke continues to stand out even though he's a former undrafted rookie free agent. His development is another in a long line for the Broncos. 

    Fabian Moreau | CB

    Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) runs the ball against Denver Broncos cornerback Fabian Moreau (23) during the second half at SoFi Stadium.

    With the way the defense played, it's difficult to fault any player on that side of the ball, but Fabian Moreau struggled. He has been a revelation after taking over as the starter opposite Patrick Surtain II. 

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    However, Moreau gave up a big reception of 57 yards, which led to a touchdown, and could have allowed the Chargers back into the game. Luckily, the Broncos' offense marched down the field and scored to put the game away. 

    Moreau needs to shore up his defense going forward.

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