Los Angeles Chargers: Studs and duds vs. Broncos in Week 5

Dud: Philip Rivers

It was a forgettable game for Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. Trailing for the entirety of the game, Rivers was forced to forget the running game and constantly throw under duress, which resulted in forced throws that were easily picked off.

While his first interception by safety Justin Simmons could be blamed on being tipped (and not caught by) intended wide receiver Mike Williams, the second was inexcusable. On a third-and-goal, Rivers blindly threw a ball again meant for Williams that was instead caught by Broncos linebacker Alexander Johnson.

In his last three games against the Broncos, Rivers has combined for six interceptions. For whatever reason, the Broncos defense always seems to have an edge over Rivers. We hope that streak ends when he faces off against Denver again in Week 13.

Dud: Keenan Allen

Did wide receiver Keenan Allen even play? Was he really ever on the field?

These are questions that one couldn’t help but ask after the Week 5 loss. Finishing the game with four receptions for 18 yards, Allen failed to make any significant plays on the field. This was in large part due to cornerback Chris Harris Jr. shadowing Allen for the entirety of the game, giving Rivers no opportunities to throw to his favorite wide receiver.

Allen is one of the biggest playmakers on the Chargers roster but just didn’t deliver against Denver. Look for him to try and bounce back against the Steelers on Sunday Night Football in Week 6.