3 Critical Numbers Reveal Broncos' Path to Beating Chargers in L.A.
After a mistake-riddled loss in Houston to break the team’s win streak, how will the Denver Broncos respond vs. the Los Angeles Chargers? It's a must-win if the Broncos want to stay in the playoff race.
Games against AFC West rivals are hardly easy wins, but this contest is winnable. Finding a way to avoid being their own worst enemy is a start. The Broncos need to exploit these three numbers to help themselves to a December victory and renewed optimism in Broncos Country.
37%
The Chargers have tallied 41 sacks on the season, good enough to be tied for third-most in the NFL. However, 37% have come from one player, Khalil Mack, who leads the league in sacks and can really make life miserable for Russell Wilson on Sunday.
It will be up to the Broncos' offensive tackle duo, Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey, to contain Mack. Without Joey Bosa on the opposite side, it will make protecting the quarterback easier.
Mack can also be a streaky player, so Bolles and company must keep him in check consistently. If they can do that, it is likely he won’t have a big sack day.
After Mack, the rest of L.A.'s defense isn’t particularly scary in the pass rush department. If the Broncos can handle business vs. Mack, they should be able to keep the others contained. That's a recipe for Wilson to really slice up the lackluster passing defense of the Chargers.
42%
Speaking of carving up the Chargers’ secondary, the Broncos should attack deep more often than the norm. L.A.'s defense ranks second-to-last in the NFL, giving up 266 yards passing per game.
The Chargers are vulnerable to passes past the 20-yard mark. They've given up a 42% completion percentage, which is higher than the league average, and teams have four touchdowns against them when attacking with the deep passing game.
Even though Wilson was not particularly effective last Sunday, the Broncos need to go back to the well and let the QB cook. He can still throw a good deep ball, and the Broncos will benefit from a few explosive plays.
5.8
The Chargers defense is not bad against the run, but they aren’t a stone wall either. The Broncos must commit to the rushing attack and run behind big left guard Ben Powers in this game.
When teams have rushed behind the left guards, the Chargers allow 5.8 yards per carry. That's nearly two yards better than the NFL average.
Furthermore, the Chargers' defense has allowed 114 yards rushing per game, and teams have run for 4.3 yards per carry overall. The Broncos could have an efficient running game, and it will help that deep passing game be more impactful.
This is a must-win for the Broncos, and the team cannot afford mistakes. If they can play clean football and take heed of these three numbers, the Broncos can force their way back into the playoff race.
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