Denver Broncos 16 - San Diego Chargers 10
The Broncos open their season on the road with a tense and exciting win over the division rival Chargers. The Broncos' futility in the red zone was the story here, as they made it in 3 times but were forced to settle for 2 field goals (and a failed 4th-and-goal conversion on their first drive). The Chargers were able to grab a 10-0 lead before the Broncos rallied for a long FG as time expired in the half. Darren McFadden tied the game soon afterward, and the Broncos were able to add 2 more field goals. However, the Chargers put together a great drive to end it, converting several 3rd and 4th downs to have one chance at the endzone from about the 20 with 1 second left (a play they barely got off) but it fell incomplete after rattling around in the endzone. Hell of a game.
Osweiler was 9 of 11 for 119 yards, 0 TDs and 0 INT.
Hurns was 18 of 28 for 205 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT.
McFadden was by far the more effective back in this one, carrying 13 times for 202 yards and a TD. McGahee carried 6 times for only 13 yards, not a strong performance by a guy asking me for a big contract.
Mathews carried 15 times for 80 yards.
Demaryius Thomas had 5 catches for 74 yards, while Eric Decker added 3 for 41 in his return to the Broncos. Vincent Jackson wasn't targeted.
Anton Cooper lead the Chargers with 3 catches for 81 yards and a TD. Gates had 5 for 42.
Von Miller had a big game fresh off his new deal, netting 8 tackles and 3 sacks. My top pick, RE Jaron Archer also picked up his first career sack. Jason McCourty had the key pick off of a deflection by Haden.
The Chargers didn't put up any defensive counting stats, but played a very strong game to hold the Broncos to just 16, especially tightening up in the red zone.
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gg nj! Definitely a nail-biter, it'll be good to have some more competition in the division. Already looking forward to our next one.