After Humiliating Loss, Broncos Prepare for St. Louis

Running back Knowshon Moreno was the one bright spot in Denver's loss. Running with power, Moreno gained 118 yards from scrimmage and scored Denver's first Touchdown. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Forgive us, BT Family.  After watching a game like that, thoughts of suicide and never blogging again run through my head, and probably the rest of the staff as well.  That’s not a good excuse for not giving you a thorough review of last night’s game, however, so I apologize.

On the opening drive of the game at Qualcomm Stadium, the Denver Broncos drove 69 yards and took a 7-0 lead after a four-yard Touchdown run by Knowshon Moreno.  San Diego would respond with 35 unanswered.

After consecutive 3-and-outs by the Chargers and Broncos following Denver’s score, the Chargers faked a punt.  A pass from Punter Mike Scifres to Mike Tolbert went for 28 yards and gave San Diego the ball on Denver’s 31 yard-line.  That play took all the life out of the Broncos.

Denver’s offense proceeded to self destruct, with the offensive line playing especailly poor, allowing five sacks while being penalized multiple times.  On defense, it was just as ugly.  The Broncos could not stop the Chargers passing or rushing attacks.  San Diego Quarterback Phillip Rivers passed for 233 yards and four Tochdowns, and running back Tolbert rushed 25 times for 111 yards and a score.

Eleven minutes into the 4th quarter, Kyle Orton hit Brandon Lloyd for a 13-yard Touchdown, making the score 14-35.  It was too big of a hole for Denver to dig out of, though.

After a loss like that, it looks like the Broncos are out of all Playoff contention, unless of course the whole AFC West falls apart.

“Obviously, when you put yourself in this situation, you’re going to need a lot of things to fall your way down the stretch if you want to continue to fight to qualify for the playoffs,” admitted Head Coach Josh McDaniels after the game.

The Broncos will now return home and face the St. Louis Rams at home in week 12.  After the defeat, Outside linebacker Jason Hunter spoke for the whole team when he said, “We just have to come back with a positive attitude and get ready for St. Louis.”