The Denver Broncos entered their Week 6 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers riding high on a three-game winning streak, only to face a nightmarish beginning.
On the first pass, Bo Nix threw an interception, and just a play later, cornerback Patrick Surtain II suffered a concussion. Those early blows quickly spiraled into a 20-0 halftime deficit at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Despite a valiant second-half comeback attempt, they fell just short, losing 23-16. Their inability to deliver in several key factors was a major contributing factor to their defeat.
Establishing the Run Game
A pivotal element in the Denver Broncos’ recent success had been a rejuvenated run game. Javonte Williams’ return to his rookie form these past two weeks eased the pressure on Bo Nix and helped Denver earn their win streak.
The Los Angeles Chargers, however, posed a stiff challenge, ranking among the top-10 defenses in EPA/rush and top-five in Yards Before Contact Allowed. They lived up to those rankings on Sunday.
In a familiar tale, Bo Nix ended up as the team’s leading rusher with 61 yards on just 6 carries. His dazzling scrambles were the lone bright spot in an otherwise lackluster rushing attack. Williams, Audric Estimé, and Jaleel McLaughlin combined for just 11 carries for a mere 44 yards, as the team abandoned the run game in the second half down 20.
Williams’ fumble in the second quarter led to a Chargers’ touchdown, and he touched the ball only three more times for the rest of the game. Despite Williams being the team’s leading rusher, his 213 yards through 6 weeks ranked 38th, and his -16.1 total rushing EPA ranked an abysmal 49th among qualified rushers.
Though Bo Nix’s scrambles inflate the Broncos’ rushing stats to a middle-of-the-pack range, the team desperately needs consistent production from their running backs and their designed run game, rather than relying on Nix to create scrambles on broken plays.
Bo Nix’s Struggles and Flashes
Bo Nix’s rookie season has been a rollercoaster, marked by ups and downs. Evaluating a young quarterback involves observing how he grows from bad games and mistakes.
Nix struggled in Week 1 against Seattle’s Mike Macdonald-led defense, but that could be chalked up to a rookie quarterback facing an elite defensive mind. Week 6 posed a similar challenge against Mike Macdonald-disciple Jessie Minter’s Chargers.
For three quarters, the outcome was dismal and failed to show much growth from Week 1.
Nix was just 4-for-14 for 27 yards and one interception. The interception, on the first pass of the day, was a result of Nix missing an open Marvin Mims Jr. across the middle, leading to a tip drill INT.
The Broncos appeared lifeless, not snapping the ball in Chargers’ territory until late in the second quarter, and even then, they only earned the single snap in plus territory during the game’s first half.
Nix looked lost against a quality defense, and was constantly uncomfortable in the pocket. However, much like the previous week’s game against the Raiders, the offense eventually found its rhythm.
The fourth quarter was a completely different story from the first three. Nix and the offense torched the Chargers’ defense for 189 yards and two touchdowns on 19 passing attempts. Nix showcased flashes of brilliance, extending plays with his legs and moving the chains.
With 5:27 remaining in the fourth quarter, Nix connected with Courtland Sutton for a highlight-reel snag in the back of the end zone, pulling the team within 10 points after being down 23-0 to start the quarter. Soon, against all odds, the Broncos found themselves down a score with a minute left. However, they came up just short as the onside kick bounced past Tremon Smith’s reach, and the Chargers secured the ball.
While they fell short on the scoreboard, the team’s resilience and ability to fight back is something to build on.
Nix’s fourth quarter was terrific, but he must show consistent ability to win from the pocket if he is to be the long-term answer in Denver.
Vance Joseph’s Defensive Gameplan
The defense faced a worst-case scenario early on Sunday.
An opening drive interception gave the Chargers the ball at the Broncos’ 31. Then, on the first play, the defense lost their best player, CB Patrick Surtain II, to a concussion. Vance Joseph’s unit managed to hold the Chargers to just a field goal despite the favorable field position.
The offense’s ineptitude, managing just two first downs in the first half, left the defense in another tough spot.
Initially, the defense appeared ready to break without their stalwart CB, as the Chargers rattled off multiple scoring drives before halftime without the Broncos’ defense forcing a takeaway or stop.
The previously lethargic Chargers passing offense bullied the Broncos’ secondary in the first half, while J.K. Dobbins ran consistently on the ground. With Surtain out, slot corner Ja’Quan McMillian moved to the outside, where he looked uncomfortable.
In step with the offense, the defense looked revitalized in the second half, allowing just 104 yards and 3 points while forcing punts on four of six drives. The defense got to Justin Herbert three times and managed to hold Dobbins below 4 yards per carry. They also had a takeaway that was undone by penalty.
With a short week ahead of their Thursday night game against the Saints, it appears unlikely Surtain will be healthy. This would force McMillian to the outside again, with veteran CB Levi Wallace expected to have a bigger role. The defense’s adaptation, as seen in the second half against the Chargers, will be crucial.
