The Denver Broncos went on the road and defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 24-7 on Sunday afternoon. Here are five quick takeaways after Denver improved to 7-6 with the win.
1
Ja'Quan McMillian is a rising star
Ja’Quan McMillian took over as Denver’s slot cornerback in Week 4 and he has been superb since then. The second-year defensive back totaled five tackles (including two tackles behind the line), one sack and one pass breakup on Sunday. McMillian also had a near-fumble-6 but his would-be strip-sack was ruled an incomplete pass. McMillian has been a key part of the Broncos’ turnaround on defense and he continues to make plays every week.
2
Courtland Sutton shines while Jerry Jeudy struggles
At some point, the excuses have to stop for Jerry Jeudy. While fellow receiver Courtland Sutton continues to shine with quarterback Russell Wilson, Jeudy continues to struggle. Jeudy was targeted six times in Week 14 but he only managed to haul in two catches for 16 yards. Sutton, meanwhile, turned his four targets into three receptions for 62 yards and yet another breathtaking touchdown. Jeudy’s lack of production does not fall on the offense, and it doesn’t fall on Wilson. Those might be contributing factors, but Sutton continuing to make plays demonstrates that Jeudy’s struggles are self-inflicted.
3
Russell Wilson was good enough
As he has been the case for much of this season, Wilson was fine — not great, but not terrible — as was much of the offense. The Wilson-led attack went 8-of-17 on third down and 2-of-4 in the red zone against the Chargers. Wilson ended the game 21-of-33 passing for 224 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Not great, not terrible. Just fine. So long as the Broncos continue to win, just fine is good enough.
4
Brandon Staley gave the Broncos a boost on Sunday
Brandon Staley gave up what likely would have been six guaranteed points when he went for it twice on fourth down deep in Denver territory early in Sunday’s game. The Chargers turned the ball over on downs both times and they later finished the game 1-of-6 on fourth-down attempts. Staley’s decision making made the game easier for the Broncos, and Denver will hope he’s not fired before the rematch in Week 17.
5
The Broncos are alive in the playoff hunt
Following the Broncos’ win on Sunday and the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Buffalo Bills, Denver is now just one game behind KC in the AFC West. Overall, the Broncos currently sit as the ninth seed in the AFC. Three of the teams above Denver are also 7-6 and the Broncos have tiebreaker over the 8-5 Cleveland Browns, the conference’s fifth seed at the moment. With four games remaining, the Broncos are right in the mix as the playoff race heats up.
