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The Denver Broncos continued their preparation for the San Diego Chargers on a short week in a unique way Tuesday.
No pads. Not even shells. And no helmets.
Head coach John Fox wouldn't go into details why the Broncos had a light workout, but ostensibly, it was still less than 48 hours after the Broncos put a drubbing on the San Francisco 49ers at home. Denver was still resting, using Tuesday's practice to prepare mentally for San Diego, if not physically.
"I don’t like getting into too much about our preparation, but we had a good practice today," said Fox.
The Broncos' foe is a familiar one - Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers have been Denver's biggest threat to a division title each of the last three years they've won it. San Diego was one of three teams to beat the Broncos in 2013, and the only team to do so at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. says he is ready for the challenge.
"I know he (Rivers) is going to come after me, just the history we’ve had, just playing against him," Harris said. "He doesn’t care who he throws at. He trusts his receivers, so we all need to be ready."
In their first matchup last year, Harris allowed three receptions for 79 yards against Rivers and company on five targets, but his other two targets were successfully pass defensed. In their second matchup, the Chargers' Thursday night win in Denver, Harris did not allow a reception. He had similar success in 2012, intercepting Rivers twice in Week 6.
With Harris having a remarkable 2014 year, I invite Rivers to bring it on. Harris will be ready.
Vote for Manning
Manning has been nominated for the Air Player of the Week award. Help make the vote unanimous: http://t.co/ylbjLaVyWB pic.twitter.com/YcYbyRoVWk
— Jon Heath (@JonHeathNFL) October 22, 2014
Horse Tracks
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers vs. Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning on Thursday Night Football - NFL Videos
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers faces off against Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning in Denver for quite the showdown. With both quarterbacks being red hot to start out their 2014 seasons, NFL Media's Mark Kriegel breaks this match up and shows you a few highlights from their previous battles.
Chargers QB Philip Rivers in awe of Peyton Manning's touchdown record
"That’s a lot of touchdowns," Rivers said Thursday. "It’s awesome. It’s an awesome accomplishment. I think the first thing you think of is how many that is, but then what do you have to do to get that many. Obviously you have to play at an unbelievable level and average however many a year for so many years.
Broncos, Chargers familiar with one another
When Thursday's game is all said and done, the Broncos and Chargers will have played each other four times in a calendar year. So, yes, you could say they're familiar with one another.
Mic'd Up: Wes Welker
Broncos TV wired Wes Welker during Sunday's game against the 49ers.
Broncos PK Brandon McManus sits out Tuesday, expected to play | ProFootballTalk
Upon Further Review: Broncos-49ers
A furious and effective pass rush corralled Colin Kaepernick and was the fruition of the Broncos' offseason efforts to overhaul the defense.
Hochman: Broncos' Demaryius Thomas leaves opponents starstruck - The Denver Post
Demaryius Thomas makes Superman simply super, man. Asked to describe the wide receiver, Broncos teammate Von Miller first pondered for a moment Monday. "He's 6-6, 260 pounds, runs a 4.2 40-yard dash," Miller said.
Party over, Peyton Manning and Broncos shift focus to Chargers - The Denver Post
"We got to play better this year than we did last year," Manning said. "When you watch that film, we just didn't play well. ... It's a reminder that there aren't many secrets — if you go out and don't execute and make mistakes and have self-inflicted wounds, it's going to be tough to beat any team, let alone a good football team like the Chargers."
Impact of RBs on TNF - NFL Videos
NFL Media's LaDainian Tomlinson breaks down the impact Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman and San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver will have on their matchup on Thursday Night Football
Briefs: For starters, first down is key vs. Chargers - The Denver Post
Kansas City flipped the script on San Diego, running 70 plays to the the Chargers' 49. If the blueprint sounds familiar, it's because it is. San Diego became the only opponent to win in Denver last season, using a clock-crunching, gear-grinding approach to keep Peyton Manning off the field.
Chargers vs. Broncos Primer: Who has the edge; where to watch; odds - The Denver Post
Only four days after Peyton Manning's record night against the 49ers, the Broncos (5-1) host the Chargers (5-2) in a Thursday night game at Sports Authority Field (6:26 p.m. MT). Here's what you need to know for the Week 8 matchup.
The Film Don't Lie: Broncos - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
The Broncos have struggled up front at times with stunts from opposing defensive linemen or rushers coming from off the ball, off the line of scrimmage and too often rushers have simply come free. San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks tackled running back Ronnie Hillman for a 3-yard loss this past Sunday after Brooks was unblocked in a formation with the three tight ends and one extra tackle -- and that was after the Jets had sacked Manning twice with a three-man rush a week ago.
Broncos Rewind: Defense, special teams - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
With six sacks in the win over the 49ers Sunday night, the Broncos are now tied for third in the league with 21 sacks and they have played one fewer game than the other five teams with at least 21 sacks
Montee Ball progressing, but Denver Broncos still add depth - ESPN
Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball returned -- briefly -- to the practice field Tuesday, but the Broncos had enough concerns to tweak the roster.
Broncos embrace challenge, reward of TNF
It may be a short week in Denver, but the Broncos are looking forward to another prime-time appearance and the mini-bye that comes afterward.
Plummer gets cookin' at Grill cook-off
"He does have cooking chops," Wiard said. "His knife skills are awesome. We had a great time together. He really has a lot of knowledge about food." The cook-off on Sunday was the fourth that has taken place at the Noble Energy Grill, which is powered by clean Colorado natural gas. Last month, the Broncos and Noble Energy unveiled the grill, which is 70-feet long and hosts the Celebrity Cook off each Sunday three hours before game time.
Around the NFL
New England Patriots lose Chandler Jones 1 month for hip injury - ESPN Boston
New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones will be out for one month after suffering a hip injury, according to a Boston Globe report.
Dallas Cowboys waive Michael Sam, the first openly gay player to be drafted, from practice squad - ESPN Dallas
The Cowboys cut ties with defensive end Michael Sam, the first openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team, and signed linebacker Troy Davis.
Jamaal Charles again validates his place in Chiefs history - AFC West Blog - ESPN
SAN DIEGO -- Jamaal Charles emerged from the Kansas City Chiefs' victorious locker room wearing a bow tie. It was a new look for Charles, but it was t
New York Jets to sign Jeremy Kerley to four-year extension - ESPN New York
The New York Jets have signed wide receiver Jeremy Kerley to a four-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday.
#Jets deal for Kerley (4 yr, $16M) continues to make #Broncos deal for E Sanders (3 yr, $15M) look like a bargain.
— Jason Cole (@JasonPhilCole) October 21, 2014