Denver at San Diego
2:15 p.m., Qualcomm Stadium
KCNC-4, KOA 850 AM and KBNO 1280 AM (Spanish)
Latest line: Chargers by 7 1/2
OVERVIEW
Numbers game
Three weeks ago, it was San Diego that had history and statistics against it. History said the Chargers could not win at Denver.
Of course, the Chargers did just that. They started a terrible Broncos tailspin. The Chargers overcame all the awful numbers.
Now, the Broncos, whose playoff hopes are one loss from being on life support, have the numbers against them. They are 7-5 and have lost three consecutive games, beginning Nov. 19 at home against San Diego, which overcame a 24-7 deficit to win 35-27.
A loss today would mark the Broncos’ first four-game losing streak since 1999. A San Diego victory would be its seventh straight and mark San Diego’s first season sweep of Denver since 1982.
“We still have a chance,” Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams said. “But we have to start winning now.”
HANDLE L.T.
Challenge for “D”
Three weeks ago, LaDainian Tomlinson had his first big game (105 yards rushing, four touchdowns) at Denver in six tries.
“It seems like we just played him,” Broncos defensive end Kenard Lang said. “He beat us up. We have to really concentrate on stopping L.T. this time.”
Tomlinson needs two touchdowns to tie the NFL single-season record with 28. Denver’s defense, which played well against Seattle running back Shaun Alexander last week, hopes it can contain Tomlinson at least once this season.
STOP MERRIMAN
Protection the key
Denver couldn’t beat a Chargers team that was playing without Shawne Merriman. The Broncos this time must deal with the superstar pass-rushing linebacker, who has finished his four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Denver’s injury-riddled offensive line must keep Merriman from QB Jay Cutler, starting only his second game. Cutler was rattled in the pocket last week against Seattle and Merriman is far more dangerous than anyone Seattle threw at him. He must be contained, or more rookie mistakes by Cutler are likely.
FINISH WHAT YOU START
Get a lead, keep it
The Broncos haven’t been blown out, but they’ve been blowing games. In three of their past four losses, Denver held comfortable leads. Squandering a 17-point lead to the Chargers changed the season. If the Broncos get a lead on the road today, they must hold it. The Chargers are as good at coming from behind as Denver is bad when it has been ahead.
