The Broncos came out of Week 4 with plenty to clean up, but Week 5 might hand them exactly what they need: a soft landing spot against a Chargers team that has looked broken through the first month.
Denver sits at 2-2 for the third straight year after a lopsided, ugly loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and it was the second double-digit defeat already this season. That kind of start can make a team look like it’s sliding fast. Still, this is also a Broncos team coached by Sean Payton, and being 2-2 through four weeks has not been unusual during his run in Denver.
The schedule has not exactly been kind, either. The Broncos are only partway through a brutal six-game opening stretch, with two more games left in that grind. But the next one may be the opening they need.
The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-4 after losing to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4, and they have looked nowhere near competitive enough to be trusted. Justin Herbert has not been sharp, either.
Through four weeks, he has four touchdown passes and six interceptions. He has not thrown for more than 226 yards in a game or completed more than 63 percent of his passes in any outing.
It has been rough on both sides of the ball for Los Angeles, which is exactly the kind of thing that happens when a team brings in new offensive and defensive coordinators. The Chargers lost six games all of last year and are already almost there again.
Denver has had its issues against Jim Harbaugh’s team, but Bo Nix has held up well in the matchup. He owns a 5:1 TD:INT ratio against the Chargers and has generally played well in the AFC West.
The Broncos are walking into Week 5 with a bad taste in their mouth after the 49ers loss. The Chargers have one too, but they have not shown they can shake it.
Denver can still lose this game, sure. But on paper, Los Angeles looks like the kind of opponent that could help the Broncos get back on track.
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Curt Menefee moved in to handle the spill, and Bradshaw kept right on with the analysis without missing a beat. It was a reminder that even on a polished studio show, the most memorable moments can come from the kind of unscripted mishap no one sees coming. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Rookie Jahfari Harvey Just Hit An Important Early Step
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For a team that is constantly balancing development with immediate needs, getting a rookie into the building and into the system matters. Harveys focus now is on the daily grind of practice work and installation, the kind of behind-the-scenes progress that does not show up on game day but can determine whether a player is ready when the next opportunity arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Catch A Timely Edge Against Banged Up 49ers
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Nick Bosa and James Thompson Jr. are among the 49ers who have been out or questionable, which leaves Denver in position to try to press an edge before the game even kicks off. The Broncos are also set to elevate practice squad defender Johnny Walker to help cover for injured Dondrea Tillman, a small but telling roster move that underscores how much both sides are managing before this matchup. [Read more 🡒]