Lights Out for Chargers in San Diego

Move over San Diego, there is a new sheriff in town in the AFC West. The Denver Broncos defeated the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football to take a 3 1/2 game lead in the division and move their undefeated record to 6-0. I think we can confirm now that the Broncos are for real. This was a big test- on the road, division rival, and a supposedly superior team- and the Broncos aced it. The 34-23 win over the Chargers in the Whale's Vagina could potentially be the statement game in this season. It was so satisfying to beat the Chargers because of the dominance the Chargers has established over the Broncos the last three. Maybe this game turns the series around and shifts the balance of power just like it was shifted when the Chargers beat the Broncos in Mile High in 2006. As far as the game goes here are my thoughts. First, the big series of the first half was when Denver trailed 10-7. After Phillip Rivers hit Vincent Jackson for a touchdown pass, Denver needed to respond with points. Kyle Orton completed a few big passes on the drive and Denver was able to get a field goal to make it 10-10. Obviously, Eddie Royal's two returns were fantastic, but that drive was huge to get points. The other big aspect of the game, was how the defense completely shut down Rivers and the Charger offense. The Broncos defense get coming and coming the entire second half and harassed and dismantled the Charger offensive unit. I think Jon Gruden's quote for ESPN said it best. He commented, "The Bronco defense are a like sharks smelling blood in the water." Philip Rivers must have been shellshocked to face this new Bronco defense. Down 23-17, Kyle Orton went to work again and found Tony Scheffler on a hookup to take a 24-23 lead late in the third quarter. Once again, Denver's offense exploited a favorable matchup on the defense. Tony Scheffler killed the Charger secondary all day long. An Elvis Dumervil sack and strip of Philip Rivers, and the final nail in the coffin delivered by Orton to Brandon Stokley put the game away late in the fourth. It was one of the most satisfying wins in recent memory. The Broncos are 6-0 for the first time since 1998. The team has a commanding lead in the AFC West, and they head into their bye week as the surprise of the NFL. Monday Night in San Diego was the crossroads. Hopefully, this year the Broncos will stay on the right road and not collapse down the stretch. Perhaps this game has changed the balance of power in the AFC West. Can we start to talk about Super Bowl aspirations? I won't go there because I'm buying into Josh McDaniels philosophy of one game at a time. I'll take that approach and enjoy the bye week. The Broncos are 6-0, on top of the AFC West, and the story of the NFL. All I can say is that I'm going to enjoy the ride and enjoy the journey.