Offense… Thumbs Down
It’s not often that 162 yards rushing isn’t enough, but with 10-of-23 passing from two quarterbacks, including 6-of-13 from the now-benched Kyle Orton, the Broncos’ rushing attack couldn’t power the offense.
Defense… Thumbs Down
Unit scored and sacked Philip Rivers five times, but it was done in by the Chargers’ 206 yards rushing, 125 of them by Ryan Mathews.
Special teams… Thumbs Up
Stayed away from the game-changing plays they’ve surrendered at times. Gave up a 29-yard punt return but kept things in check for the most part.
Coaching… Thumbs Down
Broncos are 1-4 and 30th in points allowed per game, just surrendered 200 yards rushing and will do the who’s-the-quarterback dance for two weeks.
Game balls
RB Willis McGahee — McGahee rushed for 100 yards-plus for the third time this season and averaged 7.8 yards per carry on the way to 125 yards.
WR Brandon Lloyd — He had only one catch, but that one-handed effort along the Chargers’ sideline in the Broncos’ last possession was spectacular.
