A win is a win is a win, and the Denver Broncos now have three in a row. But Denver’s second half left much to be desired from an offensive standpoint in Sunday’s 17-3 Broncos win in San Diego.
That was the same score that the teams took into the locker room at halftime, with Denver getting touchdowns from their offense and defense, plus a field goal. The second half was a hapless affair by both offenses, as the Chargers gave up two possessions on fumbles, two on punts and two on downs.
Denver wasn’t much better. The Broncos offense sputtered after an opening drive touchdown in the first half and stalled out almost completely in the second half.
On their first possession of the half, Brandon McManus missed a 52-yard field goal – his second miss in as many weeks. That was followed by and end zone interception by Brock Osweiler, then three consecutive punts before Denver could kneel on the ball to close out the game.
Brock Osweiler ended the day just 16 of 26 for 166 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Denver’s offensive attack was slowed significantly with the loss of two of its biggest weapons, C.J. Anderson and Vernon Davis, at halftime. Davis was held out on concussion protocol and Anderson was reported to suffer an ankle injury.
Fortunately, a dominant Broncos defense also held Philip Rivers in check, despite playing with two of its dominant players. Both T.J. Ward and Sylvester Williams were out due to injuries suffered against New England. Denver gave up just 93 yards rushing and held Rivers under 200 yards passing for just the second time all year.
By the end of the game, even those who are paid to cover the teams were calling it a snoozer. No doubt the players will take a 14-point win in a game that was never really close over a thrilling, come-from behind win.
As usual, the team at Mile High Sports was in on the action via social media. Here’s what they, and some of our friends from the rest of the Denver media scene, had to say about the offense, the turnovers and more.
In the early going, things looked good for Osweiler and the offense…
That might be the Broncos' most complete drive of the year. Lots of personnel groupings, formations — the myriad looks kept SD off-balance.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 6, 2015
#Chargers defense isn't very good, but WOW that was an impressive opening drive nonetheless. #Bronncos
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) December 6, 2015
In 9 games, Manning engineered 0 TDs on opening drive. In 3 games, Osweiler engineered 2 TDs on opening drive.
— Mark Kiszla (@markkiszla) December 6, 2015
But after 30 minutes of scoreless football, there was cause for concern…
Brock's done some nice things today, but outside of that first drive has looked like a guy making his third career start.
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) December 6, 2015
Ten offensive points so far today. But who's counting? #broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) December 6, 2015
Hey The Broncos offense hasn't done diddley squat since the opening drive. This has been a comfortable win, but a disappointment offensively
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) December 6, 2015
The defense did its part, forcing another turnover…
Bolts fumble Von Miller recovers, #Broncos D have a day
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) December 6, 2015
That would be the #Chargers 13th fumble of the year. Wouldn't be surprised to see another before this game is over.
— Josh Dover (@JoshuaDover) December 6, 2015
But McManus missed for second time in two weeks…
2014 McManus is slowly but surely re-emerging…
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) December 6, 2015
On the next Chargers possession Denver got its third turnover of the day…
Bradley Roby blasts Floyd and he fumbles! Orange Crush with another turnover! #DENvsSD
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) December 6, 2015
#Broncos Bradley Roby blew someone up, Josh Bush stripped the football and Darian Stewart fell on it. #teamwork
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) December 6, 2015
Now, 14! RT @JoshuaDover That would be the #Chargers 13th fumble of the year. Wouldn't be surprised to see another before this game is over.
— Josh Dover (@JoshuaDover) December 6, 2015
But Brock is picked off and again can’t create points off a turnover…
End-zone INT … Osweiler looking for Sanders … underthrown, picked off by Verrett.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 6, 2015
Two of Osweiler's picks this year on poor throws to the end zone.. Emmanuel Sanders well covered on play.
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) December 6, 2015
Osweiler with a bad throw there. Underthrown & Sanders well covered. #Broncos D has given the offense so many chances. 0 points this half
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) December 6, 2015
That play had desperation written all over it, the Broncos aren't desperate right now, so why? He was covered. . .
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) December 6, 2015
Broncos forced two turnovers in the 3rd quarter but have 0 second half points. Not good.
— Daniel Mohrmann (@DanMohrmann) December 6, 2015
With zero points scored in the second half, more than a few people were feeling uninspired…
I'm not happy with this win, it was too easy, and the Broncos took a game the Chargers were neve in. . . #Boring
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) December 7, 2015
This game is boring. #Broncos
— Nate Lundy (@natelundy) December 6, 2015
Jason. Calm. Nobody ripping his family. Dude is a great Catholic. He has 8 beautiful kids. And this game is boring. https://t.co/Cv4TPgbikh
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) December 6, 2015
The Broncos scored 10 points today. Against the Chargers. But I'm the only one concerned? Okay.
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) December 7, 2015