The Denver Broncos were looking to avoid their worst start in 60 years. They were 0-4, looking for their win of the year, their first takeaway of the year. Thanks to the Chargers, they now have both.
The Broncos jumped out to an early 14-0 first quarter lead, capped by Joe Flacco's 70-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton and the Chargers couldn't get anything going offensively in their 20-13 loss to the Broncos.
A Broncos defense that allowed 269 rushing yards to the Jacksonville Jaguars the week before spoiled the return of Melvin Gordon, allowing only 35 yards on the ground, and the same defense that came in with zero turnovers, naturally forced three, including a pick of Philip Rivers in the end zone.
Anthony Lynn didn't mince any words in his postgame press conference.
"Sorry for that damn game. If we play like that, we won't beat anybody. That team came here desperate for a win, played ard, out-coached us and it was disappointing, but we have a resilient group, I think. We will see how we respond next week but that was disappointing."
New Opponent, Same Results
At the last home game, it was J.J. Watt thanking the loud Houston Texans fans that showed up at Dignity Sports Health. This time it was Broncos head coach Vic Fangio lauding the Broncos fans that took over the stadium, saying "The Broncos fans that we had here, were great. I was told it would be that way, but until you experience it, you really don't know."
Chants of "defense" reverberated throughout the stadium several times when the Chargers offense was on the field on third down. Melvin Gordon and Joey Bosa both shrugged it off as the reason for the Chargers self-stated lack of energy.
"Personally it doesn't have an effect me and it shouldn't have an effect on guys," said Bosa. "We've got to keep our focus in the game. If that's a factor, we've got to definitely fix that."
They'll have plenty of opportunity, with the well-traveling fan base of the Pittsburgh Steelers up next on Sunday Night Football, and the Packers, Vikings and Raiders still to come.