"We understand it," tight end Antonio Gates told the UT. "We're 2-2, and they're 5-0. It's a...

"We understand it," tight end Antonio Gates told the UT. "We're 2-2, and they're 5-0. It's a do-or-die game. We all know that."

From the San Diego Union Tribune.

If it's do or die for the Chargers, then I surely hope our players understand its do or die for them as well.

TAKE IT!

over 2 years ago Tim Lynch 29 comments 2 recs |

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Our men understand it, I believe!

Let’s make them look like (the) faiders!

by DjBroncos on Oct 13, 2009 11:19 AM MDT reply actions

Wouldn't say it goes both ways, Zappa.

It is absolutely a must-win game for the chargers. For the Broncos, it’s a ‘should-win’ game. Meaning, we’re the better team, with better players, better coaching, and better preparation, so we should win this game.

I can’t help but think that the desperation on the part of the chargers will be a detriment rather than a benefit. Where some see an advantage in the fact that the chargers have had 10+ days to game plan, I see it as that many more days for the nerves and failed expectations to work their effect on that team. Denver on the other hand will ride their momentum in to town and build on the success of the season thus far.

All the pressure is on the chargers, and I see them performing badly because of it.

(Relatively) close game, but Broncos win.

24-13

- Jason

Horton is WIN - HORVIL TIKI

by jubei on Oct 13, 2009 11:21 AM MDT reply actions

I suppose in the context of BDawk's "TAKE IT" mantra, this game is Do or Die.

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on Oct 13, 2009 11:23 AM MDT up reply actions

I'm with you on that.

There’s no denying the benefits to the Broncos of winning this game. In fact, I stated in your “Let Down” game post, that I feel like Denver can sweep the division if they win this one.

However, I think that the negative outcomes for both teams are much different. SD loses and they basically need to win out in the division to get close to Denver. Not to mention the psychic impact of losing the first game of the series at home to the current division leader. Hence, my thought that the Broncs run the table in the AFC West if they win. While a loss would certainly sting for Denver, it’s not the end of the world by any means. Keep in mind that we would still have the opportunity to even things up in Denver later on.

I guess I prefer to see it as a golden opportunity for Denver rather than a must-win. A must-win can tend to make teams force the issue, and play with their brains (not in a good way) rather than their instincts. That’s precisely why I see the SD losing this one.

They have to do better. We just have to keep doing what we’re already doing well.

- Jason

Horton is WIN - HORVIL TIKI

by jubei on Oct 13, 2009 11:38 AM MDT up reply actions

Here is my response to that...

If Denver loses, they drop to 5-1, Chargers go to 3-2. We go into our BYE, if the Chargers win, they are 4-2 and owning the tie breaker.

To me, a loss this Monday night would be about the worst possible thing to happen to our team. To me, this game is a do or die.

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on Oct 13, 2009 11:43 AM MDT up reply actions

My logic could be flawed though...who knows. :)

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on Oct 13, 2009 11:43 AM MDT up reply actions

No problems with your logic, man!

My only response would be that the season would not be over after the stretch that you just mentioned. If we were coming into this game at the tail end of the series with them, with just a couple of games to play, I would totally agree.

Again, if our record allows us anything, it is the luxury of playing without desperation. That is not the same thing as saying “no big deal if we lose”. They still have to game plan and execute to win the game. That includes not sleeping on a dangerous team.

I want Denver to know the stakes and play confident. That’s all.

- Jason

Horton is WIN - HORVIL TIKI

by jubei on Oct 13, 2009 11:58 AM MDT up reply actions

That is my hope as well...

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on Oct 13, 2009 12:02 PM MDT up reply actions

the first step...

to winning the Division is to win Division games….I dont care what team it is that we are playing its a DIVISION game…..KEY…no matter what time of the season or schedule…. and if I know that, then I think McD does too ;) I am not expecting any kind of let down at all :)

Da Broncos will make the Dolts look like the Faders in Prime Time!!!

As the Dolts are searching for the wild card we will wak away with the Division ;)

"The question that sometimes drives me hazy, Am I or the others crazy?" -Albert Einstein

by Disturbed70 on Oct 13, 2009 12:21 PM MDT up reply actions

I agree Zap....we can put the Chargers away this up coming Monday!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.

by boydy2669 on Oct 13, 2009 12:27 PM MDT up reply actions

Agreed 100%

Like it or not the Chargers have been the class of the AFC West for several years now. Denver looks better every week but to BE the best you have to BEAT the best.

If Denver wants to lay legitimate claim to the AFC West title thus year, knocking off the Chargers IN San Diego is a big step toward it.

The Dolts are struggling right now and are hardly the best team on Denver’s schedule. But they’re the defending division champs, and this team has been beating Denver when it counts for the last few years. And you know how the Chargers always see to pick up momentum as the year goes on.

Just my two cents but I think Denver has to have this one.

Don't argue with fools. It's how they reproduce.

by TheMastermind on Oct 13, 2009 3:02 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

I think Denver needs to make this a must-win game

The Chargers are like a wounded, cornered animal right now: I fully expect them to come out firing. It’s almost playoff-like in that regard, and Denver must be able to win those games. Add in the importance of winning divisional games, and the chance of putting your closest division rival down early…there can’t be any feeling of “well, this would be a great game to win, but it’s not a huge deal if we lose.” Denver NEEDS to take care of business on Monday…and if they do so, I officially consider them a playoff-level team.

"Don't feed the trolls. Remember to be polite. And please show self-restraint in comment length!" -Me, to myself, because I need constant reminding.

by Disco_Stu on Oct 13, 2009 11:32 AM MDT up reply actions

+1

Great point Stu. If the Broncos want to stay an elite team this season, we need to put SD out of their misery. Great teams have killer instincts…not only are they able to compete in each game, they are able to win handily when they should.

TAKE IT!

"Precipitation, which side are you on?
Are you on the rise? Are you falling down?
Let me know, Come on let's go, yeah
Got some if you need it!" -EV

by sadaraine on Oct 13, 2009 11:39 AM MDT up reply actions

+2

This is a good test in the sense that SD seems to play better when desperate.

Richard Seymour is a girl.

by pubkeeper on Oct 13, 2009 12:09 PM MDT up reply actions

I like to think of it as a should-win game

And the good news is…. this team is showing that it wins the games that they should. And is competitive in the rest. I tend to think that the broncos have a really good chance to win this game, particularly since it appears that the Chargers have decided not to field a defense. I’d really like to see us win this game in convincing, yet calm fashion.

by SkinnyPB on Oct 13, 2009 11:55 AM MDT reply actions

I hope you are right....you know, we are talking about a team that put up like three or four TDs in the fourth quarter against the Steelers....

I don’t see the faders or Brownies doing those kinds of things. Just sayin…our guys need to play their asses off if they want to win on MNF.

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on Oct 13, 2009 11:56 AM MDT up reply actions

yep.

Though I don’t think our coaching will allow us to underestimate anyone. I mean, sheesh… did you hear how much good stuff McDaniels had to say about the Raiders and Browns? I don’t think we’re at risk for a let down.

by SkinnyPB on Oct 13, 2009 12:07 PM MDT up reply actions

We own the 4th quarter, Zappa.

I guarantee that McD and Nolan are going to spend a lot of time looking at the game film against PIT. Giving credit where it’s due, the chargers are not a team to roll over and die. But if us laymen here at MHR know that, then for damn sure these coaches and players do as well.

Fear not, bro! I see bragging rights in So Cal for you after this one!

- Jason

Horton is WIN - HORVIL TIKI

by jubei on Oct 13, 2009 12:09 PM MDT up reply actions

2nd half scoring on the Steelers...

… not so hard this year. They have pretty consistently let teams come back. The Broncos are a lot tougher in the 2nd.

"My job description is to win football games. I'm a hard worker. I'm not flashy by any means, but my job is to play football and win and I plan to do that." Kyle Orton

by odarol on Oct 13, 2009 3:47 PM MDT up reply actions

Thats easy enough, then it's die for the Chargers.

1st place in the AFC west has a nice ing to it. =P

Denver rookie head coach Josh McDaniels doesn't have a grasp on how to build a team." - John Clayton, April 23rd, 2009

by diviesti on Oct 13, 2009 12:22 PM MDT reply actions

ring^

Denver rookie head coach Josh McDaniels doesn't have a grasp on how to build a team." - John Clayton, April 23rd, 2009

by diviesti on Oct 13, 2009 12:22 PM MDT up reply actions

Excited about the "Die" Part of "Do or Die"

Chargers dying. That would be so nice.

I once found a guy in a bar yelling at a TV with a Chargers game on. I went over and introduced myself, saying, truthfully, that I’d never in my life met anyone who rooted for the Chargers. He said “I don’t, I just have Tomlinson on my fantasy team.”

Has any team ever been so highly rated based on so few playoff wins?

by Chibronx on Oct 13, 2009 12:45 PM MDT reply actions

No team, but Cutler

Denver rookie head coach Josh McDaniels doesn't have a grasp on how to build a team." - John Clayton, April 23rd, 2009

by diviesti on Oct 13, 2009 12:47 PM MDT up reply actions

Let's Smack the Super Sparklers Around

The importance of divisional play can lead to some statistical anomalies. For instance, the Dolphins, despite being 2-3 lead the AFC East with a 2-0 mark in divisional play. Thus, everyone is chasing Miami as crazy as it sounds. If San Diego should win, we’re 5-1 but chasing the Dolts in the division. We have to pummel them and leave no doubt that we are clearly the best team in the AFC West. We are and I’m not worried, we will beat the trash out of San Diego. This game won’t be a sellout because fair weather Sparkler fans suck. GO BRONCOS!!!

Brad James

by the Bradfather on Oct 13, 2009 3:24 PM MDT reply actions

MUST win game.

We have the Chargers (and almost as important, the Charger fans) on the ropes. They have already stated that this is must win football. They are admitting to themselves that if they lose, the season is as good as over. What that means is this; If they lose, they see the Broncos as too good, too consistent, too rugged to give the division back, like we did last year. Psychologically, they have essentially ceded the division to us with a loss. They Believe that. We don’t need the distraction, pressure, or media hype of a loss there. We win the division, and we bolster our confidence further. A loss is not acceptable…. it may in fact be survivable, but not acceptable.

I'm tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok.
Shaquille O'Neal

by tannji on Oct 13, 2009 4:45 PM MDT reply actions

amen brother

Conversation nonstarters: hoping McDaniels fails, comparing Bears to Broncos, Cutler to Orton, apples to oranges, and casual drinkers to Raiders fans.

by broncosmontana on Oct 13, 2009 7:48 PM MDT up reply actions

Anyone else going to this game?

I was lucky enough to get Club Level seats for free and my wife and I are going. I have attended a bunch of Broncos games in SD but the last few years have been horrible, I am pumped that we finally have a team that will fight for sixty + and has a legitimate shot at beating SD.

Needless to say I will be decked out in Broncos garb cheering my arse off! When Denver is good they pack the stands with Broncos fans at these games, should be a nice advantage for us.

by clutch14 on Oct 13, 2009 5:07 PM MDT reply actions