Offense — B
Terrible on third down (3 of 10), but the other parts of the Broncos’ offense made up for it. The re-configured offensive line did not allow a sack. averaged a whopping 7.2 yards per carry on 11 attempts (two touchdowns). showed his progress by getting mega yards after the catch. returned from an ankle injury in Week 7 to carry seven times (one touchdown). But the offensive line deserves much of the praise. They basically had four tackles playing, including new starters at right guard (Eli Wilkinson) and left guard () and a new center (ex-right guard ). Quarterback Case Keenum made it work (19 of 32 for 205 yards).
Defense — B
The good: The Broncos sacked three times, got interceptions from linebacker and cornerback and limited the Chargers to 3.7 yards per rush. The bad: Rivers passed for 401 yards, including completions of 27, 32, 27, 29, 26 and 23 yards. And the Chargers were 9 of 15 on third down. But at least the Broncos did not give up the monster play that resulted in a touchdown. The Chargers had to use 13, eight, nine, nine and eight plays on their scoring drives. Safeties Darian Stewart and each had 10 tackles. But letap go back to the Miller play, one of supreme awareness and athleticism. It set up a Broncos touchdown and turned the game.
Special teams — A
A successful fake punt and a game-winning field goal as time expired always equals the highest grade. Punter Colby Wadman extended an eventual touchdown drive with a 12-yard pass to . Two weeks after missing a game-winning field goal against Houston, was good from 34 yards out as time expired. Wadman averaged a solid 40.4 yards net and the Chargers had only one punt return for two yards. The Broncos’ return game remains in-flux — and Adam Jones returned kicks and Jones and caught punts.
Coaching — A
The Broncos needed a win after entering on a 1-6 skid and coach certainly needed a clean game. Both happened on Sunday. Praise to Joseph for going along with a fake punt idea during the week of preparation, knowing as a seven-point road underdog, he had to steal a possession. Game balls, though, were well deserved for offensive line coaches Sean Kugler and Chris Strausser for putting together a group that had three new starters compared to the last game. A hat-tip, too, for offensive coordinator , who used the time off to devise new ways for Sutton to get involved.
Game Balls
RB Phillip Lindsay: The undrafted rookie keeps on keeping on. He rushed 11 times for 79 yards, including touchdowns of 41 and two yards and also caught four passes for 27 yards.
K Brandon McManus: His only field goal attempt came from 34 yards and delivered an upset win for the Broncos.
LB Von Miller: His first regular season interception since 2012 set up Royce Freeman’s three-yard touchdown run.
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