Demaryius Thomas hauls in a catch for a first-and-10 in the second quarter. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post)
Only four days after Peyton Manning’s record night against the 49ers, the Broncos returned to Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Thursday to defeat Philip Rivers and the Chargers, 35-21. Here were some notable and not-so-notable moments from the Week 8 victory.
Going long: The Broncos played rope-a-dope to end the first half, patiently dinking and dunking their way down the field. But after a C.J. Anderson run up the middle for no gain, Peyton Manning uncorked a 31-yard TD to Emmanuel Sanders.
Miller on a roll: Von Miller’s dance after a second quarter sack — extending his NFL-high sack total to nine — came after he sprinted a circle around Chargers’ right tackled D.J. Fluker.
No let up: Denver started the second half as well as it ended the first half. Chris Harris intercepted a Philip Rivers pass on San Diego’s third play in the third quarter.
Stalled offense: Two Broncos drives came up fruitless in the fourth quarter so coach John Fox called for a 53-yard field goal try. Brandon McManus’s kick was wide left, leaving San Diego within two scores with six minutes left.
Steady Philip: Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was so ticked off after a three-and-out in the first quarter, he took off his helmet, then screamed into the in-helmet microphone at his offensive coordinator.
No go: This is picking nits, but the Broncos punted on 4th-and-1 on their 43-yard line on their opening drive. Peyton Manning seemed ready to go for it.
INTERACTIVE:
Offense: The Chargers used exotic coverages, dropping and blitzing safeties and employing random double teams. They neutralized Wes Welker and Julius Thomas, but had no answer for Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Sanders set a career high with three touchdowns. The Broncos forced the Chargers to respect the run with Ronnie Hillman. Grade: A
Defense: The Broncos mauled RB Branden Oliver, turning the Chargers into a one-pronged attack. Cornerback Chris Harris swung the pendulum with an interception — and subsequent taunt of the Chargers’ sideline. Denver struggled to blanket tight end Antonio Gates. A double nickel package with safety coverage couldn’t prevent two scores by the tight end. Grade: B
Special Teams: Andre Caldwell’s arm turned a teeth-gnashing game into a convincing victory. After the Chargers’ first score, Caldwell fumbled on the kickoff, but after a review, officials determined that his left elbow was down before Kavell Conner ripped the ball loose. Grade: B
Coaching: The Broncos broke out new plays to befuddle the Chargers. The rollout by Manning, staring right, before pausing and hitting Sanders for his first score on a drag route, illustrated the creativity. Denver continues to show that halting the run provides the best path to defensive success. Grade: A
Emmanuel Sanders: Provides a vertical threat that Broncos didn’t possess last season.
Chris Harris: Rewarded for film study with key interception.
Peyton Manning: Tough games vs. Chargers seemed long ago with nearly perfect outing.
