Thursday Night Football: Chargers Hope To Rush Through Denver
By Dave Thomas
When the San Diego Chargers (5-2) and their fans took a look at the 2014 schedule, they likely circled this week on their calendars.
Not only would there be a pair of games in a span of five days, but they would be against two of San Diego's most hated rivals: Kansas City and Denver. Making the matter all the more urgent is that the game with the Broncos would be in the Mile High City, one of the tougher venues to go in and grab a win from.
So, with a 23-20 loss at home this past Sunday to the Chiefs, a loss which by the way snapped San Diego's five-game winning streak, the Bolts now have the unenviable task of going into Denver (5-1) and trying to beat a Broncos squad that is riding high after a 42-17 romp this past Sunday night against San Francisco.
Manning In Cruise Control
As if things aren't tough enough when facing the Broncos on the road, the Chargers also have to deal with a veteran quarterback who very well could be on his way to yet another MVP season.
Unless you were under a rock this past Sunday night, you know by now that record-setting Peyton Manning now holds the all-time mark of career touchdown passes (Brett Favre held the old mark of 508) - this after rifling San Francisco's secondary in a game that was over pretty much in the third quarter.
Manning, who finished the night with four touchdowns, is 7-7 lifetime against the Bolts (including his days in Indianapolis). While that gives the Chargers and their fans hope for this Thursday evening, San Diego will need to demonstrate it can run the ball against a Denver defense that appears to be improving week after week.
Held to a mere 69 yards net rushing in their loss to Kansas City, the Chargers have had running issues for most if not all of the season.
Yes, injuries to starters Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown certainly have made matters more difficult, but even with all or a couple of those guys in the lineup earlier this season, the Chargers were not exactly piling up the rushing numbers.
Coming into this week's tilt with the Broncos, San Diego ranks 29th (out of 32 teams) in running the ball, averaging only 89.3 yards per game. While newcomer Branden Oliver has definitely provided a spark at the running back position, he's more than likely not going to be able to put up big numbers against Denver's defense, which ranks third against the run (allowing only 74.3 yards per game).
Yes, quarterback Philip Rivers and his receivers are going to need to connect and connect often if the Bolts have any hopes of leaving Denver with a victory. That said Oliver and perhaps Ronnie Brown will also need to establish the run game early in order to chew up some clock and keeping Manning and his numerous weapons on the sidelines as much as possible.
No, Thursday night's game in the Mile High City is not a must-win for the Chargers, but it is as close to that scenario as one can get.
A loss in Denver would put San Diego at 5-3, with a pair of division losses.
While that record and those numbers would not make it impossible for the Bolts to claim the AFC West crown when all is said and done, it certainly would make things that much more difficult in a season that the Broncos ultimately could run away with the division.
For more Chargers news and updates, visit Chargers Central.
Dave Thomas has been covering the sports world since his first job as a sports editor for a weekly newspaper in Pennsylvania back in 1989. He has covered a Super Bowl, college bowl games, MLB, NBA and more. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
