On September 14th, 2008, after the Chargers defeat at Mile High, I knew that swift justice would be needed to right the pernicious officiating blunder that denied us a crucial road victory. As bad as the Chargers performed through the middle of the season though, it looked like our retribution would be stemmed until the 2009 season. But the Bolts of '08 rallied, the Broncos folded and justice in small measure had been served.
It is now 2009 and we are returning to Mile High with so much on the line. In our cross-hairs we can see outright control of the AFC West, the opportunity for additional confidence while playing on the road, but perhaps most importantly, a series split to neutralize season ending tie-break scenarios. With that said I still can't help but think that the November 22nd tilt at Mile High, for this fan, is a matter of avenging the wrongs wrought upon us by Arizona lawyer, Edward G. Hochuli. Excuse me Denver, but the Chargers are rolling and Ed can't save you now!
This preview will be unorthodox by nature. If you want statistics and trends you're coming to the wrong guy. My analysis is of the Stephen Colbert variety, which is to say that it comes straight from the gut. I go with what I feel, statistics be damned! Team match-ups and breakdowns? Nah! Last week revolved entirely around the notion that "Good Teams" win at home. The Chargers were at home so I didn't care that the opponent hailed from the mighty NFC East. The Chargers should have won that game and I didn't need offensive and defensive rankings to tell me why.
Here's what I'm lookin' at this Sunday:
Road Cookin'
The Broncos are returning home which tends to breed confidence, however there's a rub; you're only as good as your last game at home, and unfortunately for the Donks, it was a shellacking by the Steelers. Conversely, San Diego's last road game was a hard earned victory in the Eastern Time Zone. This fan scoffs at the idea that a mere 1 hour shift to the east could be any sort of obstacle. You want numbers? Here's what has happened the last few meetings in Denver: since 2006 the Chargers are 2-1 (3-0 if you discount the Hochuli Effect) and have scored over 35 points in all three contests. For the Chargers, fear does not exist in the Denver Dojo.
Charger Defense:
As of right now the jury is out on whether or not we'll see Orton or Simms. If Kyle Orton pulls a Willis Reed and carries his gimpy ass out there he'll need to feel fierce pressure. The sort of pressure that produces happy feet and makes him curse his ankle and the weather on every single down. Ron Rivera has been doing a nice job of blitzing from everywhere, including pressure from our safeties, so the Bolt D will need to continue this trend.
If Chris Simms is leading the charge it will be incumbant upon the Defense, to man up and stuff the run. Stack the box. With that gangly left arm, Chris Simms doesn't have the where with all to defeat a team down-field. He's a pump faking disaster whilst fumbling around the pocket. Get up in the box and stuff the run and then bring the house on the passing downs.
The Early Lead
The Chargers were successful for a multitude of reasons last Sunday none of which was more important than the early 14 point lead they staked their defense to. That lead forced the Eagles to panic and consequently stray from their running game. Norv needs to continue with the sort of innovative play calling that can produce quick early scores.
Red Zone Efficiency
The Eagles learned that while on the road you cannot let red zone opportunities end with FG attempts. In a difficult road test, the Chargers must heed this lesson and convert red zone trips into touchdowns. I like Nate Kaeding and all, but keep him off the field.
"Good teams" win at home. "Good teams" are capable of stealing wins on the road. "Good teams" don't get swept by division rivals. The Chargers, my friends, are a "Good team".
There will be no Salvation for the Broncos on this Charger visit......Ed Hochuli will be far from Denver.
Chargers 31 Broncos 17 (if Simms plays it'll be a hell of a lot worse)
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