The Denver Broncos defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 19-3 on Sunday. They also clinched the number one seed in the AFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs with the win. It is the Broncos’ first win against the Chargers this season and just their third game that they won by more than one score.
Here are three takeaways from the Broncos’ regular-season finale, which provide more details on where they currently stand heading into the postseason.
What the Finale Revealed About the Broncos’ Identity
The Broncos’ most effective style of play in this game was a strong defense. Denver’s defense was able to add more sacks this week as it sacked Trey Lance four times.
Ja’Quan McMillian also helped the Broncos get a turnover as he returned a pick-six against Lance for 45 yards late in the first quarter. Nik Bonitto ended the game with 1.5 sacks while also forcing a fumble.
10 of the Broncos’ 19 points came from defensive efforts, as Bonitto’s forced fumble helped the Broncos capitalize and get more points after a turnover.
This game showed that the team’s main strength is its defense. Still, one of its main weaknesses is the offense: even though they were able to drive down the field, they couldn’t capitalize, especially in the red zone.
Denver also dealt with three-and-outs, which wasn’t pleasing to many fans who have high expectations for the offense, and every time the Broncos punted, the crowd booed them.
Settling for field goals is excellent and all, especially when it adds to a lead, but if the Broncos want to be a dominant team in the playoffs, they will need to start scoring more touchdowns. Some potential opponents they will face in the Divisional round seem to have no issue doing so.
Key Player Performances That Shaped the Outcome
Bo Nix stood out once again because he avoided turning the ball over despite not throwing any touchdowns. Nix was able to involve multiple players in the pass game while also leading the Broncos in rushing yards.
A backup who took advantage of their opportunity against the Chargers was Jaleel McLaughlin, as he only had six carries for 41 yards, but averaged 6.8 yards per rush while also hauling in one reception for 17 yards.
The offensive line struggled as Garrett Bolles and Alex Forsyth both dealt with injuries during the game. The Chargers’ defense, which was without Khalil Mack, sacked Nix four times.
Evan Engram and Pat Bryant are two players fans should view differently after this game. Even though they combined for only seven receptions for 76 yards, they were the Broncos’ top two leaders in receiving yards against the Chargers.
Courtland Sutton, RJ Harvey, and Troy Franklin weren’t used much, since they are players Denver will definitely need to stay healthy and contribute moving forward. Engram, Bryant, and even McLaughlin are all players the Broncos should consider using if their main contributors can’t seem to find a rhythm in the playoffs.
What This Game Means for the Broncos’ Future
The Broncos’ victory clarifies that they need to continue playing phenomenal defense, as they will need it to keep up with whoever they play in the Divisional playoff game, since offense hasn’t been their specialty.
Fans should expect the Broncos to continue sharpening their defense and for the offense to be capable of contributing equally, as they will have a week off to make any necessary adjustments.
Even though the Broncos won, this game was a neutral ending because the defense was the backbone. The offense scored its points from field goals, but at times struggled to dominate an opponent who didn’t even have all its best talent on the field.