Broncos-Chargers Preview

VIDEO PLAYLIST

• Josh McDaniels Talks After Broncos' Win

SCOUTING REPORT

Broncos-Chargers: 10 observations After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Broncos-Chargers matchup. 1. Will the Broncos' pass rush get to QB Philip Rivers? Denver knows Rivers will throw the ball more than the Chargers will run it, especially on third down, and that makes San Diego's offense fairly predictable. That's good news for a Denver defense that is the best in the league at getting to the quarterback. The Chargers are vulnerable on the edge versus speed-rushers, and they prefer not to use their backs in blitz pickup. Rivers likes to air out the deep ball, but he may not have enough time for a lot of seven-step drops -- and he is facing corners who can play single man-to-man coverages behind the pass rush and blitz.

· Full Scouting Report

Matchup
	W-L	PF	PA	HOME	ROAD	DIV	CONF
DEN	8-8	326	324	4-4	4-4	3-3	6-6
SDG	13-3	454	320	6-2	7-1	5-1	9-3
· Complete Standings

Individual Leaders

Denver Passing   CMP% YDS TD INT Orton 62.1 3802 21 12 Simms 29.4 23 0 1

San Diego Passing   CMP% YDS TD INT Rivers 65.2 4254 28 9 Volek 64.5 231 1 1

Denver Rushing   CAR YDS AVG TD Moreno 247 947 3.8 7 Buckha... 120 642 5.4 1

San Diego Rushing   CAR YDS AVG TD Tomlin... 223 730 3.3 12 Sprole... 93 343 3.7 3

Denver Receiving   REC YDS AVG TD Marsha... 101 1120 11.1 10 Gaffne... 54 732 13.6 2

San Diego Receiving   REC YDS AVG TD Jackso... 68 1167 17.2 9 Gates 79 1157 14.6 8

Full Player Stats: Denver | San Diego

TEAM AVERAGES & NFL RANKS
TEAM OFFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Total Yards	DEN	341.0
	SDG	360.0
Yards Passing	DEN	226.7
	SDG	271.1
Yards Rushing	DEN	114.8
	SDG	88.9
TEAM DEFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Yards Allowed	DEN	315.0
	SDG	326.9
Pass Yds Allowed	DEN	186.3
	SDG	209.3
Rush Yds Allowed	DEN	128.7
	SDG	117.6

HEAD TO HEAD MATCHUPS (SINCE 2001)
Series tied 9-9
Dec 28, 2008	DEN 21, SDG 52
Sep 14, 2008	DEN 39, @SDG 38
Dec 24, 2007	DEN 3, SDG 23
Oct 7, 2007	DEN 3, @SDG 41
Dec 10, 2006	DEN 20, SDG 48
Nov 19, 2006	DEN 27, @SDG 35
Dec 31, 2005	DEN 23, SDG 7
Sep 18, 2005	DEN 20, @SDG 17
Dec 5, 2004	DEN 17, SDG 20
Sep 26, 2004	DEN 23, @SDG 13
Nov 16, 2003	DEN 37, @SDG 8
Sep 14, 2003	DEN 37, SDG 13
Dec 1, 2002	DEN 27, SDG 30
Oct 6, 2002	DEN 26, @SDG 9
Nov 11, 2001	DEN 26, @SDG 16
Oct 21, 2001	DEN 10, SDG 27

Notes, Stats, and Trends

In 6 MNF games in 2009, there have been 127 points scored in the 4th quarter, 10 lead changes, and 16 TD ESPN Stats and Information

Because of the Denver Broncos' struggles at the end of 2008 and their tumultuous offseason, many thought the San Diego Chargers would waltz to a fourth straight AFC West title.

Instead, it's the undefeated Broncos who seem to be running away with the division.

Coming off an emotional win over an AFC power, surging Denver looks to create further separation atop the division when it visits the Chargers on Monday night.

San Diego (2-2) won the mediocre West with an 8-8 record last season, thanks in large part to the Broncos' historic collapse. Denver (5-0) lost its final three games while the Chargers won their last four, including a 52-21 victory over the Broncos in the regular-season finale.

Denver's late-season meltdown kept the team out of the playoffs for a third straight season, and expectations weren't high heading into 2009 following an offseason filled with distractions.

The trade of franchise quarterback Jay Cutler to Chicago in April and the suspension of top receiver Brandon Marshall in the preseason didn't make things easy for first-year coach Josh McDaniels, but the team has managed to flourish.

The Broncos beat New England 20-17 in overtime last Sunday to improve to 5-0 for the first time since opening with 13 straight wins in 1998, their last Super Bowl season. This is the fifth time Denver has opened with five consecutive wins and each of the previous times the team ended up in the Super Bowl.

Last Sunday's victory was especially sweet for McDaniels, who beat his old boss, Bill Belichick. After the game, McDaniels ran to the corner of the stadium near where his family sits and pumped his fist repeatedly before sharing bear hugs with his players.

"This doesn't mean a whole lot unless you can share it with somebody," McDaniels said. "Sometimes, you're allowed to have fun. That's what I was doing."

Denver is having plenty of fun as one of four 5-0 teams in the league.

Kyle Orton, doing an exceptional job of stepping in for the departed Cutler, was named the AFC offensive player of the week for his performance against the Patriots. He completed 35 of 48 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns and marched the Broncos 98 yards for the tying score in the waning minutes of regulation.

On the season, Orton has passed for 1,236 yards with seven touchdowns and just one interception, which was picked off by Randy Moss on a desperation heave to end the first half against New England.

"He tries to get better," McDaniels said of Orton, who improved to 26-12 as an NFL starter. "He knows he's not where he could be if he continues to improve and he sees there are plenty of things he can fix and get better at."

While Orton leads the offense, the defense is the stingiest in the league.

The Broncos have given up 43 total points, nine fewer then they allowed in the 2008 season finale against the Chargers, and rank second in total defense (268.8 yards per game). They've also given up only seven points in the second half -- none since a season-opening 12-7 victory over Cincinnati.

"We have got a confident group here from top to bottom," McDaniels said. "I think they trust our game plans, and I think we trust them to execute our game plan."

While everything seems to be clicking for Denver, the Chargers are off to another slow start.

San Diego limped into last week's bye following a discouraging 38-28 loss at Pittsburgh on Oct. 4. The Chargers fell behind 28-0 and surrendered 497 total yards to the defending Super Bowl champions.

"Nobody has a crystal ball or answer for what's going on, but one thing we've got to do for sure is play better," outside linebacker Shawne Merriman said.

With the defense getting run over, the Chargers, who rank last in the league in rushing offense (53.8 yards per game), never got a chance to get their running game going. LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 15 yards on seven carries in his return from a two-game absence because of a sprained ankle.

Tomlinson rushed for 96 yards and three touchdowns in the 2008 season finale against Denver, while Philip Rivers completed 15 of 20 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns.

Rivers, who has passed for 1,245 yards with six touchdowns and three picks in 2009, has thrown 12 touchdowns and three interceptions in six career starts against the Broncos with the Chargers winning five times.

"One thing that gives us a chance is that we're still in the hunt in the AFC West," San Diego tight end Antonio Gates said. "We never said it had to be pretty, and it wasn't pretty last year."

Wickersham: The future of the NFL

Seth Wickersham looks at the labor dispute that is hanging over the NFL and what the future may hold for the league.

Scouts Inc.: AFC offseason needs

You can think of this as the ultimate primer for the NFL offseason, or at least the AFC offseason: Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. breaks down all the squads in the AFC and tells you their top three needs to address, be it via the draft or free agency.

Broncos' Marshall, owner Bowlen on same page

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and receiver Brandon Marshall fell onto the same page last week, both saying they'd like the two-time Pro Bowler to return next season.

Owners talk labor situation; status quo reigns

NFL owners have met for several hours to discuss the labor situation, although it appears they are no closer to reaching an agreement with the players' union for a new collective bargaining agreement.

League won't punish Marshall

Brandon Marshall Issues remain for Brandon Marshall, but he no longer has to worry about a possible NFL suspension.

Broncos' Marshall has quick trip

As the Broncos restart their passing camp today at their Dove Valley headquarters, receiver Brandon Marshall will be in Orlando, Fla., where he will continue to rehabilitate after hip surgery.

Broncos' Marshall denies ever abusing ex-girlfriend

Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall defended himself Sunday on ESPN's "Outside the Lines," which detailed seven reported incidents of domestic violence.

Scheffler on board with Broncos' plan

A year after hobbling around Dove Valley with a foot injury, tight end Tony Scheffler is part of the Broncos' passing minicamp this season.

No Bronco escaped new coach's scrutiny

The old regime brought them in for a reason. They fit in specific offensive or defensive schemes, or had attributes the organization craved.

AFC West: Stability keeps Chargers out of turmoil below

There is a major New England Patriots influence in this division. Denver fired long-time head coach Mike Shanahan and replaced him with 32-year-old Josh McDaniels, who spent eight years with the Patriots including the last three as offensive coordinator.

Chargers' Merriman working his way back

A tag cloud is a visual list of key terms associated with a piece of content. Larger and bolder tags are more relevant to the content.

Stadium developer unveils proposal, but Chargers balk

" Local developer Perry Dealy unveiled his proposal to replace Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley Thursday, a day after the San Diego Chargers called his plans unrealistic in a fax sent directly to him.

Majestic Realty terminates negotiations with Walnut over proposed NFL stadium

Majestic Realty has terminated negotiations with Walnut over a proposed NFL stadium, saying city officials requested a "wish list of tens of millions of dollars" that had little to do with the project.

Versatility remains Bingham's specialty

Ryon Bingham is a contender for Igor Olshansky's starting spot at defensive end.