San Diego Chargers Week 15 Keys To Victory
Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Kavell Conner (53), San Diego Chargers cornerback Brandon Flowers (26) and San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (38) defend a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) in the third quarter of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Win Turnover Battle
Every casual and hardcore football fan knows that turnovers can drastically change the course of a game. In all of the Chargers losses this season, Philip Rivers has thrown an interception. In fact, in those five games, Rivers has thrown eight interceptions. Not to mention, he has completed under 60.7% of his passes four out of five times, including a three-interception day with a 52.5% completion. In the past five games, Rivers has thrown six interceptions to go along with four team fumbles.
If the Chargers are going to beat Denver, they are going to have to win the turnover battle against Peyton Manning. Typically Rivers has been outstanding, but he will need to be as sharp as a saber in order to be truly successful. The Broncos have intercepted opposing QBs 14 times this season (ninth-best) and have five fumble recoveries.
In the Broncos three losses this season, Manning has thrown five picks and has completed 61.9% of his passes. While his yardage numbers are always admirable, his completion abilities leave something to be desired. If the Chargers can force Manning to make poor throws (whether it be a safety blitz or tight man-to-man coverage), they will be victorious against Denver.