When Chargers have ball vs. Broncos
From one former NFL quarterback to another, count Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich as impressed by John Elway’s offseason retooling of the AFC champion Broncos.
“This defense is really improved personnel-wise from last year,” Reich said Tuesday, calling it “maybe the best overall defense” on San Diego’s schedule to date this year.
Like the Chiefs last Sunday, the Broncos (5-1) are distinguished by a balanced pass rush. Edge rushers Von Miller (8) and DeMarcus Ware (7) have 15 sacks combined and nose tackle Terrance Knighton commands attention inside.
Kansas City’s pressure against Philip Rivers, especially in the first half, was a big factor in San Diego’s 23-20 defeat. Rivers entered with an NFL record of five consecutive games with a 120.0-plus passer rating. His mark Sunday was 83.4.
More than is typical, Chargers tight ends and running backs either stayed home or chipped at edge rushers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, yet each had a key sack and other successes. Left tackle King Dunlap struggled with the 275-pound Hali’s rare power-speed combination. Houston attacked right tackle D.J. Fluker, who was a game-time decision the previous Sunday with a heavily taped ankle.
Miller (linebacker) and Ware (end) are showing burst and varied moves, with Ware, the 32-year-old former Cowboys star, having developed a half-spin fake on a 2.3-second pressure against Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher.
The secondary, which has two more sacks than last year’s unit did in 19 games, is improved with three newcomers: CB Aqib Talib (Patriots), safety T.J. Ward (Browns) and rookie CB Bradley Roby. Reich said defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio “can mix it up,” but “plays it pretty straight and lets them do their thing.”
The Chargers are improved in aspects, too, with Malcom Floyd’s return giving them a deep threat they lacked last year. Denver’s linebacking unit, lacking speedy Danny Trevathan, is vulnerable to pass and run. Though Ward (5-foot-10 1/2, 200) is a menace near the line and as a blitzer, he’s given up a passer rating of 107.9 and would represent opportunity for Antonio Gates, Ladarius Green and Eddie Royal if the Chargers can give Rivers time, pick their spots and manage crowd noise.
