San Diego Chargers Week 15 Three Phase Analysis
Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy shake hands after the game in which the Broncos beat the Chargers 22-10 at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The San Diego Chargers lost their inter-AFC West battle with the Denver Broncos on Sunday by a score of 22-10. The Chargers, fresh off a 23-14 loss at the hands of the New England Patriots, are now 8-6 and fighting for a playoff spot. Before we can move on to week 16, we must analyze the Chargers week 15 performance. This article analyzes and breaks down all three phases of the San Diego’s Chargers 22-10 loss to the Broncos.
San Diego Chargers. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS OFFENSE. C-. The Chargers offensive line earned an A in terms of these rankings. Not a single Bronco defender placed a hand on Philip Rivers on Sunday (first time that has happened since week one against the Cardinals). Considering that he was adequately protected by his offensive line, Philip Rivers had his worst game since week nine at Miami. Rivers completed just 58.5% of his passes and threw two interceptions. Simply put, Rivers was not Philip Rivers on Sunday. His two interceptions late in the game were the daggers that the Chargers did not need. Keenan Allen was once again held for minimal yardage before getting himself injured. He is likely to miss week 16. Antonio Gates, however, hopped back on the touchdown tree with another TD from five yards out. <p>The passing game wasn’t the only thing that disappointed on Sunday. At Denver the running game sputtered horribly. Branden Oliver (in place of the injured Ryan Mathews) rushed for 26 yards on 12 carries as the Bolts rushed for 56 yards on 20 carries as a team (2.8 yards per carry). While the Chargers offensive line could have blocked better at times, the Chargers backs could have produced more than they had. Ryan Mathews’ absence on Sunday proved to be a determining factor towards a Broncos win.</p> <p>San Diego scored just three points in the <strong>entire first half</strong>. If the Chargers are going to make the playoffs, they are going to need to score some points. Philip Rivers was unstoppable in the middle weeks. He needs to regain that confidence and leadership he has been known for.<br /> </p>. O
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