Say, didn’t you used to be the big, bad Chargers?
In case you hadn’t noticed, the time has come to ask the question. The Bolts have looked that bad, that shaky, that beat up.
The Broncos through five games have built a two-game lead in the AFC West. Normally, given their recent history of fast starts and faster fades, I would say hold down the applause. But these aren’t normal times in the division.
For all the talk about the Broncos’ defensive issues, the Chargers have allowed one fewer point (129) than Denver. Sunday, LaDainian Tomlinson couldn’t punch it in from the 1 on fourth- and-goal. Philip Rivers was 13 for 28 and the Bolts finished with 10 points, their fewest in a game since the 2005 season finale.
In one sense, none of this has anything to do with the Broncos. But in another sense, it has everything to do with them More and more, it’s looking like the Chargers aren’t the Chargers anymore. To wit: They won 14 games in 2006 and 11 last season. To win 11 this year, they would have to win nine of their last 11 games.
The Broncos, meanwhile, would have to win seven of their last 11. Sure, we’ve seen them fall apart before in these scenarios. But from the looks of things, they have more room for error this time around.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s sports updates on The Jimmy Page morning and afternoon Monday-Friday. And read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
