Broncos Get Ripped by Chargers, Fall to 7-9

 The Broncos got whipped by the Chargers in Los Angeles on Sunday 34-13 and fall to 7-9 in the process. The Broncos entered the game with 10 starters out with Covid, and they were severely undermanned. Too many mistakes once again doomed them, and the loss officially eliminates them from playoff contention, and ensures a fifth straight losing season, no matter what happens in Week 18 against KC. Here are my thoughts on the game....

1) The Broncos defense held up as much as it could but without key members due to Covid, they could only do so much against Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense. It was just a matter of time before the Chargers broke it open and they did in the 3rd quarter.

2) The key sequence was when the Broncos were down 10-0 in the second quarter and drove for a 1st and goal inside the Chargers five yard line. They were stopped on 4th and goal on a "Philly Special" type of play when Drew Lock was tackled at the one yard line. They forced a punt and then Diontae Spencer fumbled the punt and the Chargers scored to make it 17-0. That was the game right there.

3) Denver's offense still struggled on 3rd down conversions. Drew Lock made some nice throws, but they were just not good enough on 3rd down and couldn't keep up with the Chargers.

4) Another kick return TD was given up by the Broncos to make it 27-6 in the 3rd quarter. Denver has given up the most kick/punt returns in the league since 2019. How Tom McMahon still has a job is amazing to me.

5) This offensive play calling is really bad. Pat Shurmur has not done a good job at all in his two years as offensive coordinator. It is so hard to watch each week.

6) Too many injuries and Covid issues put the Broncos in a tough spot and they were no match for the Chargers. Denver's loss ensures them another losing season for the fifth year in a row. It also ensures them a last place finish once again in the AFC West. 

7) The Broncos finish the season at home against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday afternoon as part of a new Week 18 flex game. The Chiefs are still playing for a higher seed so they will not be resting any starters and the Broncos will probably have their thoughts on the offseason, so this could get ugly pretty quick.