Broncos week 6 recap: A SECOND HALF FAILURE
Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times
Another painful loss for the Denver Broncos comes this week after losing 19-16 in overtime to division rivals the Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos, now 2-4, are officially struggling in the AFC West while the Chargers are sitting pretty at 4-2, tied with last season’s division champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wilson and the Broncos showed up in the first half. On multiple plays, Wilson looked like his former self: scrambling out of the pocket, making deep completions to multiple receivers, and likely playing his best football so far this season. He was able to find tight end Greg Dulcich in the endzone for a 39-yard touchdown reception in the first game of his NFL career. Wilson completed his first 10 pass attempts for 116 yards and a touchdown in the first half.
Mackenzie Hudson/Los Angeles Chargers
Going into halftime, Denver was up 13-10 feeling good for the first time in a few weeks.
Come the second half, Wilson’s productivity disappeared. He recorded just 15 yards in the second half and overtime and led the Broncos to many three-and-outs in the back half of the game as the Chargers crawled back from being down 10-0. The Broncos had several chances to take control late in the game. Linebacker Baron Browning intercepted Justin Herbert at the Charger’s 30-yard line but, in Broncos fashion, Denver went three-and-out and couldn’t capitalize on the great defensive play.
The game came to a close in overtime after rookie Montrell Washington muffed a punt when a teammate bumped into him trying to make a block. The Chargers took over with great field position and were able to seal the game with a Dustin Hopkins 39-yard walk-off field goal.
Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times
The only area on this Denver team that deserves some applause is the defense. Led by Browning with an interception, a sack and a fumble recovery, the defense held a top-ranked offense to just 16 points in regulation. They also held Justin Herbert to his first game this season without a passing touchdown. To top it off, Safety pro-bowler Justin Simmons was back in the lineup which is a crucial return for Denver.
The defense did its job. The offense came up short.
Going into Monday’s game, The Denver Broncos were the most penalized football team in the league and the worst team in the red zone. They certainly lived up to those two labels this week, frequently settling for field goals throughout the game and giving up huge penalties along the way.
AAron Ontiveroz/Denver Post via Getty Images
Los Angeles picked on rookie cornerback Damarri Mathis all game who recorded four pass interference calls that resulted in first downs for the Chargers. Mathis was filling in for injured starter Ronald Darby. Denver produced a total of 151 penalty yards during the matchup.
The Denver Broncos will play the hot New York Jets on Sunday in what could be a statement game for Denver if the whole team can play good football for the full 60 minutes.
