Broncos @ Chargers
Final Score: Chargers 34, Broncos 13
Writer: Ryan Radel (@RadelFF on Twitter)
I’ll keep it short and sweet – I hope you had luck this season and we were able to help you win a championship!
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Drew Lock: 18/25, 245 yards, TD, Sack | 3 carries, 10 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 1 yard
Brett Rypien: 0/2
With Teddy Bridgewater still out with injury, the Broncos turned to Drew Lock for their matchup with the Chargers. Lock looked very “meh” throughout the game, but he managed to take care of the ball at least. In the end, the Broncos’ offense was simply outclassed by the Chargers’ defense. The QB situation in Denver is less than ideal, but it has to be somewhat reassuring knowing you have a young QB on your roster with a rocket for an arm:
Throw it 🆙, @SuttonCourtland brings it down.
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/KzLjymbN1Y
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 2, 2022
Running Back
Melvin Gordon III: 10 carries, 43 yards | 4 targets, 3 receptions, 29 yards
Javonte Williams: 14 carries, 30 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 2 yards
The Broncos’ run game was abysmal on the day. The scheme definitely doesn’t do this group any favors. and they never got going even though the group was afforded 24 carries. Playing from behind for most of the game doesn’t help, but when the defensive line is living in your backfield like this, there’s not much hope. So close, Drew!
GOAL LINE STAND 👏
📺: CBS | #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/BqStshizs4
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 2, 2022
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Noah Fant: 7 targets, 6 receptions, 92 yards, TD
Courtland Sutton: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 60 yards
Seth Williams: 1 target, 1 reception, 34 yards
Kendall Hinton: 5 targets, 2 receptions, 23 yards | 1/1, 1 yard
Albert Okweugbunam: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 5 yards
Eric Saubert: 1 target
The Broncos needed to air it out while playing from behind. That is typically not a good thing for a team that likes to run the ball while playing tough defense. When healthy, this group has a ton of potential, but they’ve been decimated by injuries all season. Noah Fant led the team in all categories, including a five-yard touchdown grab in the fourth quarter. He’s clearly the best receiver on the team, but it isn’t saying much. The rest of the group was… there. Courtland Sutton had a nice catch that made up most of his yardage and was otherwise quiet.
TD, @nrfant. 🙌
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/cpZZAnReig
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 2, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers
Quarterback
Justin Herbert: 22/31, 237 yards, 2 TD | 4 carries, 2 yards
Justin Herbert looked like he was sleepwalking for most of this game. There really wasn’t much to overcome as he threw for the Chargers single-season passing TD record. His favorite target, Keenan Allen, received his usual dose of targets, but Herbert did a great job spreading the ball around with seven players having two or more catches on the day. When it mattered most, Herbert went to his playmakers for touchdowns, with a touchdown going to Keenan Allen to close out the first half, and a bomb to Mike Williams in the fourth quarter. Herbert’s success from last season certainly rolled into this season.
if u blink first u lose
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 3, 2022
Running Back
Austin Ekeler: 17 carries, 58 yards, TD | 3 targets, 3 receptions, 54 yards
Justin Jackson: 12 carries, 41 yards | 3 targets, 3 receptions, 20 yards
Gabe Nabers: 1 carry, 2 yards
Austin Ekeler is a bad man. He’s proof that power can come in small packages. While it wasn’t the most efficient day on the ground, Ekeler still found paydirt to go along with another 50 yards in the air, putting him at over 100 yards from scrimmage. He was used all game and spelled by Justin Jackson, who filled in admirably. The Chargers offense relies on this group to make plays, and they continue to do so:
🎸🎸🎸
📺: CBS | @AustinEkeler pic.twitter.com/o1m3WoI470
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 2, 2022
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Mike Williams: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 63 yards, TD
Keenan Allen: 9 targets, 4 receptions, 44 yards, TD
Tre’ McKitty: 3 targets, 3 receptions, 22 yards
Joshua Palmer: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 16 yards
Jalen Guyton: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 10 yards | 1 carry, 1 yard
Stephen Anderson: 1 target, 1 reception, 8 yards
The usual suspects from this group did their damage with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen catching the touchdowns from Herbert. Both were targeted throughout the game, with Keenan receiving his usual extra serving. Mike Williams continues to develop as a constant big-play threat as he scored on a 45-yard bomb. The rest of the receiving group was fairly quiet as Herbert got everyone involved. The rapport Herbert and Keenan have is something to admire – they are constantly on the same page even though the low reception count might indicate otherwise. When Herbert was in trouble, he looked to Keenan, to no one’s surprise.
THESE TWO >>>>
📺: cbs | @keenan13allen pic.twitter.com/aHlCJfzQEE
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 2, 2022
Happy New Year!
— Ryan Radel (@RadelFF on Twitter)