Denver Broncos

Speaking With the Enemy: Chargers vs. Broncos

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Just over two weeks ago, the San Diego Chargers began to revive their season with a 21-13 victory over the Denver Broncos. Though it’s rare for two teams to play each other again this soon in the NFL, the Chargers and Broncos will meet again this Sunday. This time, the game will be played in Denver.

A third consecutive victory for the Chargers would even their record at 4-4, so this game is the most important of the season that far. In addition, the Chargers haven’t swept the season series against the Broncos since 2010, so you better believe that Philip Rivers and company would love to do that.

This week, I sat down with Ty Walden of Predominantly Orange and asked him a few questions regarding the game. To read the interview he did with me, be sure to check back with his site frequently.

Here, I ask Ty how the Broncos can avoid a second loss to the Bolts. I also touch on the recent injury to running back C.J. Anderson and how that will effect the Broncos before I ask for his prediction.

Read on for his answers as well as my take on those answers.

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) reacts as he walks off the field after a 21-13 loss to San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Q: The Chargers were able to defeat the Broncos 21-13 just two weeks ago. What changes do the Broncos need to make to reverse the outcome this time?

Ty Walden: “The biggest thing that they need to do is to get off to a better start on offense and defense. The first two drives for the chargers were far too long for the defense to be out on the field. The Chargers had a solid game plan and executed it to perfection. On the offensive side, the run game needs to be established. It’ll be a bit difficult with Anderson missing this game, but with Booker and possibly Bibbs, they should be okay.”

My Take: I would say Ty is right with his assessment here. If you look back at some of the recent victories San Diego has had over Denver, they’ve been able to control time of possession. This was always the case when Denver had Peyton Manning, as the goal with most teams was to keep he and his high-powered offense off the field. But Rivers is most efficient when the Chargers command time of possession, allowing them to be a more versatile offense.

Oct 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) on the bench in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Q: C.J. Anderson will reportedly miss some time due to injury. Will Devontae Booker be enough to pick up all the slack, or do the Broncos need another player to step up in the running game?

Walden: “I think for now, Booker should be able to pick up the slack. He did have a solid game against the Texans, rushing for 87 yards and a touchdown. The biggest thing I want to focus on is how will he do in his first NFL start. His first carry of his career was one to forget as he fumbled against the Panthers. I honestly think he will be okay, but depending on how this game goes will tell if the Broncos need to go out on the market to find a veteran back to help out.”

My Take: Devontae Booker is averaging 4.8 yards per carry, so he will be a formidable matchup for the Chargers defense. Still, I don’t think San Diego will be too intimidated by him. I do feel the loss of Anderson will be a big one and if the Chargers can force Denver into several third-and-long situations, this game could easily go the way the first one did.

Oct 23, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Kyle Emanuel (51) and inside linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) and outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) celebrate a defensive stop of the Atlanta Falcons in overtime of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Chargers won 33-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Q: If you were calling plays for the Broncos in this game, how would you go about attacking this Chargers defense?

Walden: “Run the ball to set up the pass. In the last meeting, it seemed like the Broncos did not focus on that at all. Although, Gary Kubiak was out for that game and Joe DeCamillis was the interim head coach. Running some plays with the running back and some play action could help out. Most teams have dared to have Siemian throw deep. If he can connect on a few of those, this could be a win for the Broncos.”

My Take: Good call there and I like the fact that he pointed out that Kubiak was out for the last meeting. That said, slowing down the run and forcing Siemian to throw the ball on third downs is something San Diego is going to take every time.

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker (23) runs the ball and is tackled by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Jatavis Brown (57) during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Q: Which player on the Broncos roster do you expect to be an “X-factor” in this game?

Walden: “Devontae Booker is going to probably decide this game. If he can get the ball rolling and get some solid runs, the Broncos offense can put up some points. If he can’t, this offense will have a tough time converting those third down plays.”

My Take: It sure seems like Booker and the Denver running game are being talked about a lot, so let’s talk about Denzel Perryman. Getting solid runs and converting third-down plays is not going to be easy with that guy roaming the field.

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray (bottom) outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Q: Let’s get a prediction. Who wins this game and why?

Walden: “Seeing as how the Broncos are at home, I give them the slight edge. If Anderson was playing, I would feel pretty confident in the team, but with him out and the uncertainty of if Demarcus Ware will play, I will say 23-20 Broncos. This time, the Broncos defense will make one final stop.”

My Take: Denver does have home-field advantage, but Walden brings up some names that the Broncos will be missing that could be tough for them to overcome. I see this one as a toss-up, with San Diego having the psychological advantage after already beating the Broncos.