FULL BOX SCORE
Kevin Patra’s takeaways:
- Broncos defense mashes Chargers to secure No. 1 seed. It wasn’t a pretty affair, but Sean Payton’s team did what it needed to do to earn the much-coveted bye. Facing Trey Lance and a host of Chargers backups, Denver forced two turnovers, including a Ja’Quan McMillian first-quarter pick-six that allowed the Broncos to skate away with the victory. Context is key, with the Chargers choosing to rest starters, but Denver’s D showed its talent, generating four sacks on Lance and allowing just 217 total yards. The early double-digit lead allowed Denver to milk the clock with little pressure and the defense to feast on the inexperienced Lance. The Broncos now get a week to rest bumps and bruises before their tournament begins.
- Denver offense can’t find pay dirt. Calling it a punt-fest in Mile High might be an insult to punts. The Broncos marched 81 yards before sputtering at the Chargers’ 6-yard line for a field goal. In all, Denver’s offense managed just four field goals, with Bo Nix stymied, despite the Chargers sitting several defensive starters. In the first half, the QB generated more rushing yards (43) than passing yards (38). Nix finished 14-of-23 passing for 141 yards with four sacks. He added eight scampers for 49 yards. The Broncos generated just two plays of 20-plus yards on the day — a 37-yard pass to Evan Engram and a 22-yard Nix scamper. Denver had seven drives with one or fewer first downs — not counting kneels. It was enough to secure the No. 1 seed against a team resting its starters, but Denver needs more from the offense the rest of January.
- Lance can’t find magic vs. Broncos defense. The former first-round quarterback got his shot against a top-tier defense, but couldn’t find the range. Lance started the game 1 of 8 for 6 yards, including a pick-six. Facing a ferocious pass rush, Lance often got happy feet, scattering his passes. He was able to find a modicum of success on short strikes to Keenan Allen, but the rest of the passing offense played in a box. Lance did some damage with his legs (nine carries for 69 yards), but the chunk plays came late with little doubt of the outcome. Playing behind a backup offensive line against a very good defense didn’t help, but Lance, who finished 20-of-44 passing for 136 yards and an INT for a 43.4 passer rating, showed why he’s still far away from being more than a mop-up starter.
Next Gen Stats Insight for Broncos-Chargers (via NFL Pro): Bo Nix averaged just 1.2 air yards per attempt against the Chargers, the second-fewest by any quarterback in a qualified game this season. Nix was pressured on 40.6% of his passes, just the second time he has faced a 40% pressure rate or higher, along with his Week 3 matchup with the Chargers.
NFL Research: Sean Payton is the fifth coach all time to lead multiple teams to the No. 1 seed, joining Marty Schottenheimer (CLE, KC, LAC), Andy Reid (PHI, KC), Tom Coughlin (JAX, NYG) and Mike Holmgren (GB, SEA).
