The Denver Broncos bounced back in a big way after a tough loss last week to the Houston Texans with their best all-around effort of the year against the Los Angeles Chargers, beating their AFC West rivals 24-7 on Sunday.
We look at the studs and duds of the big divisional win.
Stud: Defense
After not creating a turnover against the Houston Texans last week, the Broncos were back to their playmaking ways in L.A., intercepting Justin Herbert on the Chargers’ third drive of the game. After a Russell Wilson interception on the first offensive play of the game, the defense was pinned back on their own 13; yet, they held Los Angeles to no points. Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian had another great game, finishing with a sack, five tackles and a pass deflection. McMillian was later robbed of a sack-fumble-touchdown by the officiating crew, who ruled an incomplete pass for Los Angeles backup Easton Stick. Denver perhaps put up its best defensive effort of the season, totaling six sacks and an interception while holding a dangerous Chargers offense to only seven points.
Dud: Jerry Jeudy
Jerry Jeudy continues to have a disappointing season, as he finished with two catches for 16 yards, and being targeted six times. Early in the game, Jeudy was wide open on a deep route that would have put Denver inside the Chargers’ 20, and he later had a ball go right through his hands on a sideline pass. Jeudy also had a near-touchdown ruled incomplete just before halftime, where he failed to drag his foot in the end zone. Jeudy has five catches in the past two games, on 10 targets.
Stud: Vance Joseph
Joseph dialed up the perfect gameplan against Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen and the Chargers offense. By halftime, Herbert was ruled out with what we now know as a fractured finger, Allen was held to 68 yards receiving, and the Broncos forced two turnovers — an interception and a fumble. Since the horrific Miami Dolphins loss, Joseph’s squad has not allowed over 30 points since the home loss against the New York Jets in Week 5. The seven points is the least amount of points allowed all season.
Dud: Injuries
The Broncos were plagued by injuries against the Chargers. At halftime, the team ruled out offensive lineman Quin Meinerz out with an elevated heart rate; outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper came up hobbled after his first-quarter interception; and pass rusher Nik Bonitto was carted off with a knee injury in the first half. While we don’t know the seriousness of Bonitto’s injury at the moment, that could prove to be costly going into the third straight road game for Denver. We’ll know more about the extent of those injuries when the Broncos return to practice next week.
Stud: Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams led the Broncos with 66 yards rushing on 17 carries, and also tallied three receptions for 25 yards. Those are good stats, but the most important one to Williams and to fans might be the one rushing touchdown Williams had on the day. That was Williams’ first rushing touchdown of 2023, and his first since 2021. May it be the first of many by the end of the year!
Stud: Courtland Sutton
On Sunday, Courtland Sutton hauled in his 10th touchdown catch of the season, a one-handed beauty while being completely smothered by Chargers cornerback Michael Davis. Sutton, although he only had three catches, came up clutch again when quarterback Russell Wilson and the team needed him most.
Stud: Broncos Country
Broncos Country showed up loud and proud in Los Angeles against the Chargers. SoFi Stadium was washed with orange on Sunday, with the crowd going crazy when L.A. was on offense, and virtually quiet when Denver had the ball. Broncos fans have consistently shown up in California, and they were rewarded with a big win against a division rival in Week 14.
