Best statistics
The Broncos were missing three starters on defense. T.J. Ward, Sylvester Williams and DeMarcus Ware were out with various injuries entering the face-off with the Chargers, who have averaged 390.5 yards per game. Without those players they dominated from the start.
They held the Chargers to only 179 passing yards (129.7 below their per game average) and totaled only 272 net yards.
“I really think it’s about the guys behind the starters,” Miller said after the game. “David Bruton Jr. is playing out of his mind right now. Bradley Roby is coming out to his own too, Shaquil Barrett, Shane Ray, and Corey Nelson are all guys that have come in and made the defense what it is. I’m very proud of those guys.”
The Broncos defense forced three turnovers, scored one touchdown, sacked Rivers four times while holding the Chargers to just three points (their lowest total of the season). The most impressive statistic may be that the high-powered passing attack of San Diego had zero red zone chances the entire contest.
The Broncos offense may have struggled to score points but they went 6 of 13 on third downs (46 percent) leading to a 32:57 edge in time of possession. As a team they were only flagged for three penalties and total of 18 yards.
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