Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers: Show Me Something

by Tim Lynch on Nov 19, 2010 10:57 PM MST in Strictly My Opinion

I was writing a story late last week titled "Homefield Disadvantage" and I felt pretty good hitting the delete button on that bad boy late Sunday afternoon. Considering that the last time this team had won a divisional home game Josh McDaniels was a hot shot Offensive Coordinator for the New England Patriots, Kyle Orton was getting booed in Chicago and Tim Tebow was winning National Title games. Needless to say, I was about to utterly annihilate the organization with what I thought could end up being yet another home loss to a Division rival.

So yes, I felt pretty good about not having to do that since I always love me some Denver Broncos. However, one big win at home isn't enough for me to forgive and forget all that has transpired in the last two months. No, this team has a lot more penance to fulfill before I jump back on that orange and blue koolaid drinking bandwagon. In fact, dropping a fortyberger on the Kansas City Chiefs is nothing to write home about. The Broncos have dropped just two forty plus point games in the last two seasons, both against the Chiefs. Whooptie do. Show me something meaningful; like perhaps removing the hated San Diego Chargers from playoff contention - that would be something.

The Offense

Well, now I have finally seen what this unit is actually capable of. To bad it happened in Week 10. I talk with fellow MHR member, Mdierk, fairly regularly and he has been hammering on an issue with me since preseason that I feel needs to be pointed out (if somewhat late and somewhat lamely by me) - if only because he turned out to be 100% correct. As a former lineman, Mdierk has been complaining about the offensive lines lack of continuity. After all, it took until Week 10 before the starting lineup became what everyone believed it should have been from the start. The result? Knowshon Moreno's first 100 yard performance.

The Chargers are ranked highly in defense of the run, but that stat belies the fact that the Chargers defense hasn't been put in the best situations by their special teams. I am not saying their defense is garbage, but I am saying their defense is only average. I would put them around 15-16th in the league. Not something the Broncos high powered offense should fear, in fact, the proof is in the first rank listed in this table:

San Diego Chargers Defensive Statistics
Pts.	Yards	Pass Yards	Rush Yards
21.9 (17th)	274.7 (2nd)	185.2 (3rd)	89.4 (4th)

It kind of reminds you of how the Broncos ranks high in yards on offense, but do not score very many points. The Chargers defense ranks high in yards, yet gives up a lot of points.

I think the Broncos will have some success against the Chargers, as long as they don't fall behind early. Another fast start is critical to their success in this game. The one aspect of their game that is missing - another Show Me moment - is consistency.

The Defense

The defense has been maligned with injuries for much of the year, so I have to take that into account. I know Robert Ayers is back, but it might be a good idea to limit his playing time. It just feels like Joe Mays as finally found his calling at inside linebacker and I would love to see him thump a few whiny, petulant Chargers players on Monday night.

For there will not be much luck in bottling up Philip Rivers, the dude is having a beastly year - not the inconsistent beastly year that Kyle Orton is having either. The guy is money every game. The key will come to limiting the damage to field goals and a few timely third down stops. If the defense holds the Chargers to less than thirty points, they will have a golden opportunity to steal one away on the road against the most dangerous Division foe in the AFC West.

So far the Broncos have had one great game and four awful ones in the last five, which means they need to show me some more before I buy into what they are selling. I give the Broncos a good shot at humbling the Chargers at home, but it is going to take a perfect game on both sides of the ball and a few good plays on special teams as well.

Show Me Something

It will take a lot more than a thrashing of the Chiefs at home to wipe clean the 59-14 disgusting performance I was forced to witness three weeks ago, so here is your chance Denver. Show Pat Bowlen he made the right move to stand pat with Josh McDaniels. Show the fans you have desire and motivation to succeed. Most importantly, show yourselves what you can achieve through playing complimentary football.

I really have nothing else to say on the matter.

From the Archives...

Mile High Report has had a bunch of new additions to the front page staff, all of whom are great and I look forward to scheming and plotting the demise of Woody Paige, however, there is one guy who has been a pretty good accomplice and friend over the years. So I think I would like to share a few of the old Papigrande (aka Joe Kayser) moments with everyone.

Epic MHR Fantasy Football debacling of Tim Lynch's SacTown Beavers by Joe Kayser's Kansas City Wildebeests. Joe had way to much fun at the end of the comments section...

Joe rants about trolls only to discover trolls also hate Josh McDaniels and Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow, right?

MHR dot COM! I nice little MHR-love post by the love guru himself, Papigrande. He seems to think I hated the Ryan Clady pick too, but I have unaccepted that memory and am now I huge Boise State Bronco fan. Also, the first ever time the term "MHRboriginals" was used. Bravo man! Am I a MHRboriginal? Probably not...I'm just a glorified groupie baby!

Go Broncos!

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Comments

ZAPPA!

ROFL. I was just thinking about how much I was enjoying this post and what a great perspective it brought to the Monday night game, and then you had to link to all my old stuff… c’mon man! Haha at least you didn’t share all those times I stole John’s ideas.

SEE YOU SPACE COWBOY...

by Joe Kayser on Nov 20, 2010 12:04 AM MST reply actions

Hmmm...

After reading the troll post, it has dawned on me that I have now become an Agent Smith. And I love that MHRboriginals moniker. I want to be one And—

Wait, did you just call me a love guru?!

SEE YOU SPACE COWBOY...

by Joe Kayser on Nov 20, 2010 12:10 AM MST up reply actions

lol! Yes I did...a love guru of MHR man!

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

The artist formerly known as ZAPPA

by Tim Lynch on Nov 20, 2010 12:33 AM MST up reply actions

your van!

love guru and his van with cookies!

Dear Santa- All I want for Christmas is a Stud NT and David Harris- Thank you!

Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Nov 20, 2010 3:34 AM MST up reply actions

It's sad when we are happy our defense holds the opponent to 30 points

Not too many offenses can compete with that. I really do expect more then a 28 PPG average from this defense, even with injuries.

Good post by the way too, it’s just sad how we really just expect the defense to show up but have no real expectations other then that and just expect the offense to win games.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Nov 20, 2010 1:23 AM MST reply actions

I said we could have a shot...

Each point over 20 our shot diminishes…30 is the line of having no shot. lol

Thanks btw!

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

The artist formerly known as ZAPPA

by Tim Lynch on Nov 20, 2010 1:48 AM MST up reply actions

Damn Tim, this stuff takes time. Be patient and show your fans of this site patience;) McD is only in his second year, but I like the direction of the team. Bring in smart, high character athletes that have a will to win. There are more than thirty other football teams trying to win games, we are bound to lose some, especially when everyone is so young and still learning the concepts. We have to be able to look at the building process. Sure, they are not winning as many games as people had hoped, but when we are able to see flashes of this offense (like we did against K.C.), then that should give us enough hope and patience. Don’t get too down when they lose =)

by Auz on Nov 20, 2010 9:48 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs

This isn't a judgement of McD

This is a judgment of our defense, which sucks. I’m not calling for firing McD or Wink, I’m saying it’s unfair and unrealistic to expect to win ANY games by giving up that many points.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Nov 20, 2010 10:40 PM MST up reply actions

This is a great message to all of the Negative Nancies

who have miraculously disappeared since the Chiefs game. Wait for another loss, and they’ll be back in droves calling for McD’s head again.

"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche

by Horsepower on Nov 21, 2010 10:44 AM MST up reply actions

I haven't disappeared

Although I’m not sure if I want McD fired, I most defiantly want him stripped of personnel decisions.

by BroncoMarc on Nov 21, 2010 10:25 PM MST up reply actions

I was thinking about a few regulars

and didn’t realize you were one of them.

Wait ‘till this season plays out or the next season before you call for his personnel roles to diminish. If Denver had the starters on the O-line in the first 8 games, I believe their record would’ve been better than 2-6.

"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche

by Horsepower on Nov 21, 2010 10:49 PM MST up reply actions

How many teams are struggling at O-line?

The Steelers are far more banged up. I don’t mean to be overly contrary, but the injury excuse applies to virtually every team in the league. Some of them are much worse off than Denver in that regard, and are doing better in tougher divisions. I can guarantee that the fan sight for every team has people posting something along the lines of “if only we weren’t so banged up…” There are a few teams – Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, or Green Bay (who has put and amazing 11 starters on IR this season) that are the only ones I’d cut some slack as far as the injury excuse goes.

As to Josh’s decisions regarding the draft and personnel, that has been rehashed time and time again. Suffice it to say that two off seasons is enough for me to formulate an opinion. I notice that no one who has a positive opinion of his moves is ever told to wait longer before coming to their opinion. Apparently, only negative opinions need to take many years before they can be legitimately expressed; but I guess that’s besides the point. In any case, I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree.

by BroncoMarc on Nov 22, 2010 1:37 AM MST up reply actions

Those teams have depth BM

You’re going to compare more established teams to ours? The Packers and Steelers have had over a decade to establish their current programs, add depth, etc. You underestimate the rebuilding process if you think that two offseasons is enough time to rebuild.

Did any of these teams, in the first half of the season, shuffle their O-lines with as many as 11 different combinations? There’s been enough arguing on this site in recent times. Watch the games remaining and see if the team as a whole is playing better when the offense is balanced, thanks to an improved O-line.

"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche

by Horsepower on Nov 22, 2010 8:28 AM MST up reply actions

Yes, those teams have much more depth

Which leads to my critique of McDaniels as a GM

by BroncoMarc on Nov 22, 2010 3:34 PM MST up reply actions

mnf sold out or blacked out in san diego

just curious if anybody knew if any of us will be blacked out in san diego. appreciate a response if you know.

by golfdoc on Nov 20, 2010 1:57 AM MST reply actions

cant be blacked out...its Monday Night Football.

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

The artist formerly known as ZAPPA

by Tim Lynch on Nov 20, 2010 2:05 AM MST up reply actions

live in san diego

sorry, forgot to add i live in san diego so the game could be blacked out, even mnf. luckily it finally sold out so blackout was lifted. appreciate everyone’s quick response. hope we erase that cocky smirk of rivers in a big way.

by golfdoc on Nov 20, 2010 12:37 PM MST up reply actions

seriously? I lived in SD for many years, and now in the Oakland blackout range...

never once has a MNF been blacked out…

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

The artist formerly known as ZAPPA

by Tim Lynch on Nov 20, 2010 12:47 PM MST up reply actions

The game sold out.

According to Into the Night with Tony Bruno.

Yes. Radio.

My roots are in Denver, but my branches grew in Nebraska and my leaves fell in Lincoln.

by Blackshirt4Broncos on Nov 20, 2010 3:18 AM MST up reply actions

i am hopelessly addicted to sports talk radio.

I'm betting Marshall is sitting in Miami thinking "That could have been me." Instead, Tyler Thigpen is throwing him passes. - Nick Cast

by Jay Fin Anderson on Nov 20, 2010 10:12 AM MST up reply actions

My sincere condolences.

Particularly if you listen to that guy Cowturd or whatever his name is. I hear that whiney voice and turn off the radio.

It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09

by firstfan on Nov 20, 2010 6:52 PM MST up reply actions

I'm with you there

I can’t stand that guy. And that irritating high pitched whiny voice of his makes the inane crap he spouts even harder to stomach.

by BroncoMarc on Nov 21, 2010 10:27 PM MST up reply actions

I used to be that guy

Then I figured out that for the most part, they haven’t the slightest clue as to what they’re yapping about. Thankfully, I’ve thus been able to shake that addiction.

by AllBroncsallday on Nov 22, 2010 10:57 AM MST up reply actions

I perdict 3 punt returns by eddie...

by ThorpeBroncosfan on Nov 20, 2010 6:16 AM MST reply actions

And we'll match it with 3 punts blocked for TDs.....

That’s 42 points there…..WE WIN!!!

by Kgrone on Nov 20, 2010 8:34 AM MST up reply actions

Is Eddie going to play?

He still has yet to practice do to a hamstring injury….

"I used to fight the pain, but recently this became clear to me: pain is not my enemy; it is my call to greatness."--Henry Rollins

"Victory belongs to the most persevering." --Napoleon.

by Dustin Maul on Nov 20, 2010 8:38 AM MST up reply actions

I'm hoping for like 9 punt returns by Eddie. Will any of them go for touchdowns, though?

I’m being picky…

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by Troy Hufford on Nov 20, 2010 4:54 PM MST up reply actions

The offensive line

Interesting points you make about the offensive line. If this is the lineup that was originally conceived, then fine. I find it remarkable that seemingly, just like last season, all the hopes of the season rest on the health of Ryan Harris. One of those second round picks next year better be a RT.

C’mon Broncos….show us the goods this Monday night!

by cskilly on Nov 20, 2010 6:41 AM MST reply actions

i was thinking the same thing

last year we started losing right after Harris was hurt. Remember how bad our offensive line was against the redskins? This needs to be brought up more

by ShyandObese on Nov 20, 2010 4:10 PM MST up reply actions

Ryan Harris at RT plus Zane Beadles at LG appears to solidify the line and all other phases of the game begin to improve.

"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche

by Horsepower on Nov 21, 2010 10:50 PM MST up reply actions

Stop Rivers

I don’t think Eddie will play. I think Ayers can hold the edge. They need to plug the gaps in the middle and somehow stop Phillip Rivers. I don’t like Rivers and thats putting it mildly, but he’s got game and somebody has to shut down their wide receivers. What are you going to do, stop the run or the pass. To me it’s always about our defence. If we can beat the Chargers I’ll think the season is a sucess from my perspective

by Baghdad on Nov 20, 2010 6:49 AM MST reply actions

Last week's win forced a change to their game plan...

I’d almost bet on it. That takes away the advantage of the bye from a planning perspective. They were able to rest, but it still appears they’ll be without Gates…..that’s a good thing considering our struggles with TE’s at times this year.

Protecting KO is the key to this game.

Zappa, you speak like a true Missourian! Show me another complete complementary game, and we will win this one!

Officially on record with a 10-6 prediction for 2010! (8/21/10)

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams

by Broncotodd on Nov 20, 2010 7:57 AM MST reply actions

Thanks! I'

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

The artist formerly known as ZAPPA

by Tim Lynch on Nov 20, 2010 10:40 AM MST up reply actions

Thanks, I'll have to visit someday! :)

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

The artist formerly known as ZAPPA

by Tim Lynch on Nov 20, 2010 10:40 AM MST up reply actions

I think Mathews is out too

We bought this teritory with our body and souls then we watered it with our tears.

by stevestephens on Nov 20, 2010 11:36 AM MST up reply actions

Should be a good battle between two

of the best QBs in the NFL. The MNF hype is already starting for the showdown between Orton and Rivers. Hopefully our OL, defense, special teams, and HC will show up with their A games. Another poor performance by the Broncos will not be a good thing for McKid.
Btw, other than one game during his rookie season, there wasn’t any booing of Kyle Orton in Chicago. Maybe you’re thinking of Rex Grossman.

by rocko1 on Nov 20, 2010 8:35 AM MST reply actions

Good points Tim

I pray to the football gods that the starting 5 O-linemen stay healthy from here on out. I do not want to see another combination of 11 different offensive fronts. We’ve seen enough of it in the first half of the year, thank you very much. I wonder why when Ryan Harris tried to come back, Beadles was not playing LG. I believe Hochstein was playing in his place and that was not a good idea. Perhaps Beadles needed more practice time at guard before he was “ready.”

After the way Mays played last week, I am on the fence as to whether Haggan should move back inside, when Ayers is fully healthy. Besides reminding me of some awesome Tyson fights (Moeaki hit) he seemed improved in coverage. That gives me hope that he may turn out to be the answer at SILB.

I know Robert Ayers is back, but it might be a good idea to limit his playing time. It just feels like Joe Mays as finally found his calling at inside linebacker and I would love to see him thump a few whiny, petulant Chargers players on Monday night.

Let’s keep Ayers healthy by not playing him. There’s nothing I hate to see more than watching a player try to come back too soon. Ryan Harris tried that last season and earlier this year as well. And all that did was delay the debut of our linemen on offense.

By whiny and petulant, I am guessing you were referring to Shaun Phillips? (=

"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche

by Horsepower on Nov 20, 2010 9:19 AM MST reply actions

You know who Phyllis reminds me off?

He reminds me of Kobe Bryant. Can’t stand the plick but the dude can play.

by broncs27 on Nov 20, 2010 9:31 AM MST via mobile reply actions

Agreed

by AllBroncsallday on Nov 22, 2010 10:59 AM MST up reply actions

A win against the Chargers is a long shot

Last week I was sanguine regarding the Broncos chances with the Chiefs, although I didn’t expect the blow out that we saw. I felt that the intangibles – the fact that Denver was coming off of a bye week while the Chiefs were on their second road game, and the fact that Orton is a much better quarterback than Cassel gave Denver a great shot.

This week many of those same intangibles that favored Denver last week favor the Chargers this week. Denver is coming off an emotional win against Kansas City, while San Diego is fresh off a bye week.

At quarterback, while Orton is much the superior of Cassel, (as Alfred Williams poignantly noted: “Cassel can’t play dead in a Western”) the same can not be said of Orton in regards to Rivers. I hate to say it, but Orton can’t hold a candle to Rivers. Wow, I REALLY hate to say that. That Rivers punk just rubs me the wrong way.

San Diego is stronger in every area except the receiving corps, and special teams. They are getting to the point in the season where they usually start to turn things around from their traditional early season slump. While the Broncos defense is starting to get healthy, there are still some discouraging signs. The fact that Denver could get no pressure on Cassel last week without blitzing is not good. This is despite the fact that KC’s running game was largely removed from their attack last week, so the D-line could mostly forget about keeping in their lanes, and just focus on rushing the passer. Denver got pressure only by blitzing and leaving the secondary in one on one coverage. This can work with a quarterback of Cassel’s quality. It spells disaster against the likes of Rivers.

There are a few hopeful signs. The offensive line is as heathy as it’s been since the start of the season. It was also nice to see McDaniels (FINALLY) run a zone blocking scheme last week. I’m surprised that didn’t get more coverage here at MHR Why it took him so long to realize he doesn’t have the personnel to run a power blocking scheme is beyond me, but I guess it’s better to come to your senses late, rather than never. Also, there is San Diego’s Achilles heal: their special teams. That unit has time and time again handed lesser teams victories over the Chargers. Let’s hope that trend continues!

All and all I just can’t pick my Broncos win. Still, hope springs eternal, and nothing would make me happier than to be wrong. Also, it would be nice to see that punk Rivers get smacked around a bit. That guy is so disagreeable!

by BroncoMarc on Nov 20, 2010 10:25 AM MST reply actions

Always pick the Broncos to win

All and all I just can’t pick my Broncos win.

I learned this lesson in the Super Bowl victory against Green Bay. If I support ‘em, then I pick ’em. It’s as simple as that.

First they ignore you.
They then laugh at you.
Then they fight you.
Then, you win.
--Gandhi

by Santa Fe Bronc on Nov 20, 2010 12:29 PM MST up reply actions

Yup!

We bought this teritory with our body and souls then we watered it with our tears.

by stevestephens on Nov 20, 2010 12:42 PM MST up reply actions

I'd like to

But I always have a hard time with that heart over mind thing

by BroncoMarc on Nov 20, 2010 1:42 PM MST up reply actions

We used zone blocking? WoW why wasnt this mentioned

this is HUGE. This would explain a lot but i cant really find any footage of the game. How do u know we used zone blocking??

by ShyandObese on Nov 20, 2010 4:14 PM MST up reply actions

actually

They have been running Zone blocking all year, just not exclusively. Every team in the league uses it.

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.

by KaptainKirk on Nov 20, 2010 4:45 PM MST up reply actions

Almost half of the time.

And then they have this hybrid thing. Two guys gap block and three(or four counting TE) Zone block.??
I need a MHR University article!

It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09

by firstfan on Nov 20, 2010 6:58 PM MST up reply actions

Both Mark Schlereth and Alfred Williams

said on their radio show that Denver zone blocked MUCH more in this last game than they have all year. Both of them wondered aloud why they hadn’t been doing it earlier. shrug We must get our information from different sources.

by BroncoMarc on Nov 21, 2010 10:21 PM MST up reply actions

Mario Haggan

get me another hat trick!

Brad James

by the new Bradfather on Nov 20, 2010 11:59 AM MST reply actions

Orton can hold more than a candle

I have to disagree with you on that point BM. SD is worried about KO. What worries me is whether we can hold Rivers to having scoreless drives and very few 1st downs. If we can keep the TOP on our side we stand a good chance of winning. Orton (and I guess Tebow too) seem to be able to score in the RZ. Then there’s the running game. If we can balance our offense early it will be a game changer. We’ll be able to keep the SD defenders scrambling. One thing I really do agree with you on is Rivers is certainly disagreeable. I’d love to watch him get beat up like he did by the Rams. In that game he was crawling on the ground trying to remember what team he was on. I know they have the homefield advantage, but they also have overconfidence. That is one factor that can kill them. The other thing is we must capitalize on is their ST weaknesses. I suspect they have been working on that a great deal the past two weeks. 7 extra points on a return will be huge for us. Last year Royal got a kick off and a punt return. We won that game because of those freebie points. It also shut a lot of Charger fans up too. I’ll be there on Monday waiting to see what happens. I have high hopes. GO DENVER!

We bought this teritory with our body and souls then we watered it with our tears.

by stevestephens on Nov 20, 2010 12:00 PM MST reply actions