3 Sad-But-True Takeaways from Broncos' 24-7 Win Over Chargers
The Denver Broncos hit the road for a second consecutive week to face the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos had previously never won in SoFi Stadium, but that streak came to an end as the Chargers were dispatched 24-7.
The now 5-8 Chargers entered the game in the hunt for the same Wildcard playoff spot the Broncos are targeting, making this another must-win game. After last week's loss to the Houston Texans, there are multiple scenarios on how the Broncos can make the playoffs, one of which was winning four out of their next five games. Each scenario that would further Denver's playoff aspirations always started with a victory against the Chargers.
While it wasn’t pretty or without moments of flaw, the Broncos came out on top to remain alive in the AFC playoff race for another week. When the chips were down in the fourth quarter, Denver survived an ugly football game.
The Broncos' victory improves their record to 7-6, and it's their first division road win since 2019. Six teams in the AFC are currently tied at 7-6. All Broncos Country wants for Christmas is a playoff berth.
What did we learn from the seventh win of the Sean Payton era? Let’s sift through my three biggest takeaways from the first of two matchups against the Chargers this season.
Is the Payton-Wilson Marriage Sustainable?
Compatibility is critical when it comes to relationships, especially in the workplace. It’s especially true when it comes to the dynamic between head coach and quarterback in the NFL. Payton and Russell Wilson have earned seven wins together thus far.
But is that enough success to feel confident about a potential playoff run, let alone Wilson being the long-term franchise solution at quarterback?
You read that correctly. On the heels of a Broncos victory in December, I’m still not completely convinced that Payton and Wilson’s partnership is on the path to gold.
Wilson struggled to lead a productive offense for most of Sunday's game in L.A. Wilson finished 21-of-33 for 224 yards and two touchdowns, with an interception in what was a solid performance against the Chargers. To be clear, there’s never anything wrong with a victory, but players aren’t immune from criticism (even in victory), and there are still several areas of concern with the way Wilson operates Payton’s offense.
It’s too safe most of the time. Even on the deep-threat passing attempts, the Broncos' success is few and far between.
In the red zone prior to the half, Wilson and wideout Jerry Jeudy had a chance to put a second touchdown on the board, but the former first-rounder failed to get both feet down in the end zone. This only furthered the disconnect between Wilson and Jeudy, as the two players haven’t been on the same page since training camp. Jeudy finished the game with two catches (on a team-high six targets) for 16 total yards.
Payton has had opportunities to trade Jeudy but instead opted to keep him in Denver with hopes of optimizing Wilson’s offensive production. The only problem with that is neither player has lived up to his potential because neither fits well in Payton's offense.
While Payton tries to force-feed Jeudy, Courtland Sutton continues to bail this offense out of trouble with spectacular and unlikely touchdowns. Sutton caught his 10th score of the season on Sunday, the first double-digit milestone for the team in approximately a decade and the first of his career.
I’m thrilled that the Broncos won the game, no question, but I can’t help feeling uncertain and worried over Payton’s lack of consistency with Wilson. The offense converted 47% of its third-down attempts and just 50% in the red zone, largely due to Payton’s restrictions of his famed playmaking offense.
It’s possible to win games against bad teams with a game manager under center, but the playoffs are a whole different animal. In win-or-go-home game formats, an offense must be willing to live and die by the sword.
The question is, are Payton and Wilson compatible enough to do so?
Identity Crisis
Broncos Country has endured one hell of a roller coaster ride this season, from the maddening and frustrating lows to the exciting and hopeful highs. Similar statements can be made for other fan bases in the hunt for AFC playoff contention. Then again, many of those teams have a definitive identity 14 weeks into the regular season.
But for the Broncos, it’s hard to know which team will show up on a weekly basis, leaving many to wonder whether they're a contender or a pretender. For five straight weeks, Wilson rode the coattails of a productive running game.
By controlling the time of possession and keeping Denver’s defense fresh, the offense was able to peak at the right time. The Broncos have crawled into a hole after leading at halftime in multiple games this season, only to let their opponent back into the game.
However, the Broncos kept their foot on the gas against the Chargers, scoring two touchdowns in the second half. The offense protected the football and continued to bring the fight to its opponent rather than playing it safe and hoping for the best.
It was refreshing to see running back Javonte Williams score his first rushing touchdown since December of last season. Prior to hitting paydirt, ‘Pookie’ had 205 carries without a rushing score despite catching two touchdowns this season.
But why did it take so long?
It seems like the Broncos want to prove to the NFL that they can be a passing team with highlight-reel catches. At times, that argument can be made. But instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, it’d behoove the Broncos to stick to what has earned them their success, playing with grit in all three phases consistently throughout a game.
It’s hard to know which Broncos team will show up next week, so savor the flavor of this victory.
Broncos Blitz Humbles Herbert & the Bolts
One of my keys to a Broncos victory against the Chargers was to pressure and knock down Justin Herbert. Anytime a defense faces an elite playmaking talent like Herbert, there’s a heavy emphasis on making the most of your defensive plan of attack.
That’s exactly what Vance Joseph’s unit did to the Chargers, recording six sacks and nine QB hits. The Broncos logged 68 negative yards from sacking the QB, which is the most in team history. Rush linebacker Jonathon Cooper also logged an interception at the line of scrimmage after Baron Browning zeroed in on Herbert and altered his pass.
The Broncos’ four total sacks in the first half alone took their toll on the Chargers' Pro Bowl QB. Prior to the two-minute warning in the first half, Herbert was seen heading to the locker room with a member of L.A.’s training staff with an injury to his throwing hand, which ended his day.
Herbert’s first-half exit forced Chargers backup Easton Stick into action, who had previously thrown one career pass in the NFL. In his first offensive series, the 2019 fifth-round pick from North Dakota State was hit for a strip sack from Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian that momentarily resulted in a defensive touchdown before it was overturned upon review.
Instead of calling the dogs off and assuming an easy win, Joseph’s defense continued to pillage L.A.’s offense, which included two forced fumbles. Denver’s defense held stout as the Chargers went 0-for-12 on third down and converted 1-of-6 fourth-down attempts.
This was also the third straight game that P.J. Locke recorded a sack, something no safety had ever achieved in Broncos history until Sunday. We have to give Joseph his flowers in this one. They’re well deserved.
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
