October 14th 2024.
The Chargers' offense was on fire during their game against the Broncos, but it wasn't just their scoring that caused damage. Their long, time-consuming drives also took a toll on Denver, leaving them with fewer chances to score.
From the very start, it was clear that Los Angeles had a game plan centered around their run game. Running back JK Dobbins led the charge, gaining 96 yards and scoring a touchdown on 25 carries. The Chargers' dominance on the ground put pressure on the Broncos, who struggled to keep up.
It was no surprise to the Broncos that the Chargers would rely heavily on their run game. Head coach Sean Payton had warned his team about this during their Friday meeting, emphasizing the importance of limiting turnovers and playing strong defense. Unfortunately, Denver was unable to execute on these key points.
The Chargers' third scoring drive was a perfect example of their dominance. Starting with 1:50 left in the first quarter, they took control of the ball and didn't give it up until the 6:24 mark of the second quarter. This 10-minute, 29-second drive resulted in a field goal and left the Broncos reeling.
Defensive end Zach Allen couldn't believe how much time had gone by, telling The Denver Post, "It's not ideal." But the Chargers' strategy was clear: control the time of possession and wear down their opponent. And it worked, with the Chargers ultimately controlling the ball for 37 minutes and 23 seconds of the game.
The Broncos, on the other hand, only had the ball for 22 minutes and 37 seconds. This discrepancy in time of possession put added pressure on Denver to make the most of their limited opportunities. But with the Chargers' strong defense and efficient offense, it was a difficult task.
One of the keys to the Chargers' success was their ability to convert on third down. They went 11 for 18 on third down and 8 for 10 in the first half alone. Quarterback Justin Herbert was especially effective in these situations, completing 7 of 7 passes for 89 yards.
For the Broncos, their struggles on third down were a major issue throughout the game. On the Chargers' long scoring drive, they converted on five straight third downs before finally being forced to settle for a field goal. Overall, the Broncos' defense allowed the Chargers to convert on third down more often than they should have.
Despite knowing that the Chargers would be a run-heavy team, the Broncos were unable to stop them. The Chargers out-rushed the Broncos 128-110, with 69 rushing yards in the first half alone. And with the Broncos' defense focused on stopping the run, this opened up opportunities for Herbert to make plays with his arm.
In the end, the Chargers' dominance on both sides of the ball proved too much for the Broncos to handle. They couldn't overcome their early turnovers and struggles on third down, ultimately falling to the Chargers 23-16.
But the Broncos know they have to learn from this loss and improve moving forward. As cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian put it, "We did all the things that you cannot do in a game like that." It's clear that the Broncos have some work to do if they want to compete with teams like the Chargers in the future.
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