Another 4th quarter meltdown by the Denver Broncos as the L.A. Chargers gave them a dose of Déjà vu beating Denver in almost the exact same scenario as last week against the Indianapolis Colts losing by a FG (23-20). The Broncos’ opening drive was very sluggish with an offense that looked inept and not on the same page, resulting with the Broncos losing another winnable game on the road.
Drive 1: 7 yards. Punt.
Drive 2: -1 yard. Punt.
Drive 3: -3 yards. Punt.
It’s concerning when given plenty of chances to capitalize on multiple 3rd downs, and Denver just couldn’t find a way to convert successfully during crucial times where a momentum shift was needed to take control of the game. Bo Nix and the offense recorded 3x “three-and-outs” in the 1st quarter, which is very unlike how the Broncos usually come firing out of the gate. Luckily for Denver, their defense was solid and limited the Chargers to only 3 points in the 1st quarter, and 10 points in the 1st half of the game.
The second half was a bit more entertaining on both ends with the Chargers and Broncos both scoring 13 points each in the second half. Bo Nix made some great passes that should’ve been converted into a couple 1st downs and a possible touchdown, but unfortunately his receivers came up just a little short and were unable to make what could’ve been a few “for sure” game-changing catches that would’ve put the Broncos in position to lead the game during the second half.
Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton did connect on a few big plays which is where most of the offensive yards were generated. Sutton reeled in 6 of 8 targets with 118 yards, while Bo Nix threw 25 times with only 14 completions being made. Nix didn’t have much time in the pocket when dropping back to pass as he was scrambling more than desired, rushing the ball 8 times for 33 yards. JK Dobbins played his role perfectly but was only given the ball 11 times rushing for 88 yards. If Dobbins stays healthy and Sean Peyton utilizes him more often, that will give Bo Nix a better chance to open up the field a bit more and not have to use his own legs to convert 2nd and 3rd downs every other drive.
After a tough loss in Los Angeles, Denver is now tied with the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders at 1-2 and must find a way to turn things around sooner rather than later, so that they don’t’ find themselves fighting for a playoff spot with two other rivals while sitting far behind the L.A. Chargers who are now undefeated (3-0) in the AFC West Division. The offense will need to step up and figure out a way to give Nix more time in the pocket to cook up with his WRs, while the defense will just need to continue doing what they are doing but tighten up their secondary woes to give their offense more possession time on the field.
Dante Robinson | Senior NFL Analyst for The NSR Network
