Chargers Rested, Beat Broncos

Last night was a game I had determined would be a statement game for the Chargers...at least in my eyes.  I needed to see a convincing win to have some hope that the Chargers could be competitive and make a run to the playoffs and the Chargers satisfied my curiosity by beating the Broncos pretty handedly...

I was a bit concerned when the Broncos marched right down the field on the opening possession and scored a touchdown while the Charger defense seemed lost for most of that drive...then the Charger offense went three and out to start the game and I was just waiting for a Charger miscue that would open the door for the Broncos and let them steal the game...but after the Broncos ran a fake double-reverse play it seemed as if it was a challenge to see who has the better arsenal of trick plays so the Chargers ran a fantastic fake punt play where punter Mike Scifres threw a nice pass to get a first down and then later the Chargers had Patrick Crayton throwing the ball which didn't work as well, but showed a few new wrinkles in the Charger playbook.  After the Chargers converted on that fourth down play it was nothing but Chargers from that point on...

Phillip Rivers threw for four touchdowns and his one interception took the place of a punt and really didn't hurt the Chargers at all,,.just PR airing it out and trying to get a long ball to his receiver.  The Chargers went into halftime up 21-7 and, in the 3rd quarter the Broncos may have had a chance to get back into the game and as the ESPN crew was saying on a 3rd and long play, what a huge play this could be for the Broncos if they could stop the Chargers, Rivers hits Darren Sproles, who in the open field is still as good as they get, and he is GONE ... 57 yards to score and that had to all but deflate the Bronco sideline...

The Chargers probably played their most complete game of the year...Nate Kaeding was back and missed a 52 yard field goal but the conditions were less than ideal and by the looks of his kickoffs, he still isn't 100%.  The Charger defense, wasn't overly dominate but effective.  Got a few sacks and some pressure, picked Orton off once.  But probably the best news of the game was there really wasn't a special teams miscue and in fact, you factor in the fake punt, the special teams played pretty well.  Punt protection still has me concerned but now with a fake punt play in your pocket, it may start to keep some teams honest and lessen that punt rush.

The Chargers can control their own destiny by winning out...it's a short week and another prime time game...this time in Indianapolis.  The Chargers have historically matched up well against Peyton Manning's Colts and the Chargers really can't afford to lose any more games, especially to AFC opponents...with the Texans looking crappier and crappier each week, a win in Indy would clearly be a win on the road against a quality opponent...something the Chargers need to do and will help them with any playoff chance they may have. 

A loss makes the road that much tougher for the Chargers, but with games against Raiders, Chiefs and Broncos all on the horizon certainly doesn't mean it will be the end of their playoff hopes. 

Vincent Jackson will be with the Chargers and hopefully Antonio Gates is getting better and would return as well...it would be great to have those two weapons to use against the Colts.