The Denver Broncos look to extend their current three-game winning streak to four as the Los Angeles Chargers come to the “Mile High City” on Sunday afternoon. Here’s what to watch for in a crucial early-season AFC West contest.
Offensive Line
The Denver Broncos’ offensive line has been excellent through the first five weeks of the season. Much of their success can be attributed to the consistency of play and the availability of the line as a unit. The Broncos will most likely be without starting Center Luke Wattenberg while starting RT Mike McGlinchey, who is out for the season, and backup RT Alex Palczewski is sidelined with a high ankle sprain.
It has not yet been determined if Matt Pert or Frank Crum will fill in at right tackle. Both are inexperienced and will need to match Palczewski’s performance when he stepped in for McGlinchey. If Wattenberg cannot play on Sunday, Quarterback Bo Nix’s University of Oregon teammate Alex Forsyth will fill in at the center position.
After facing Maxx Crosby last week and giving up three sacks, the task does not get any easier this week. Khalil Mack, Bud Dupree, and Joey Bosa will aim to overwhelm Denver’s makeshift offensive line and disrupt Nix’s timing. The test will be whether the Denver Broncos offensive line can hold up against a relentless Chargers pass rush hunting for weak spots.
Defensive Line
The Broncos’ defense has been dominant this year, ranking third in total defense, fifth in passing defense, and second in scoring defense, though they sit at 10th in rushing defense. The Chargers, led by Jim Harbaugh, are more than happy to run left, run right, and run up the middle and play an old-fashioned field position game against the Denver Broncos.
The Chargers have a secret weapon that may prove the determining factor in the game. Scott Matlock, a six-foot-four 296-pound defensive lineman, transformed into the starting fullback. In a year in which Herbert’s pass attempts are drastically reduced from his numbers in years past, the running game has become the focal point for the Chargers offense.
Look to see how the Broncos’ Defensive Coordinator, Vance Joseph, attacks the Chargers’ running game. Through the first part of the season, the Broncos have been a blitz-heavy defense. The big question is whether Joseph will keep dialing up pressure or shift to a heavier, run-focused front.
Turnovers
In a game that will likely be a ground-and-pound dogfight, the team that wins the turnover battle will win the game. Last week, the Denver Broncos intercepted Raiders quarterbacks three times, with Patrick Surtain’s 100-yard pick-six being the turning point of the game. The Denver Broncos did not turn the ball over once and were in better field position all afternoon, which ultimately led them to dominate the Raiders in the second half. Look to see if the Denver Broncos can force turnovers again this week and if Nix continues his ability to protect the football.
Final Thoughts
Every NFL game is important, but home divisional games are a must-win. This week, Dove Valley is questioning depth and sustainability on the offensive line and wide receiver. If the reserves rise to the challenge and the defense stays solid, the Denver Broncos could extend their winning streak and become a threat in the AFC.
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