The Chargers are looking to expand on their .500 record against a winless Broncos team at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Here are the three biggest storylines to follow:
New Kid on the Block
Ty Long’s kicking duties have come to an end after adding rookie kicker Chase McLaughlin this past week. With Michael Badgley (doubtful) still dealing with a right groin injury and Long starting to get banged up from managing a big load, it was necessary to add a kicker.
McLaughlin, who converted 44-of-59 field goals and all extra points with the University of Illinois, will have the chance to become the team’s permanent starter. Coach Anthony Lynn said that if he does well enough, there could be a competition between McLaughlin and Badgley for the starting job.
Melvin Gordon’s usage
A week removed from his 64-day holdout, it’s expected that Gordon will see the field for the first time this season. Coach Lynn said that they have a game plan for him, but it’s not going to involve him receiving a full load out of the backfield.
RB Austin Ekeler will get the majority of the snaps, but it’s possible that Gordon could start the game at running back. The former Wisconsin product has yet to take a snap this year, so it’ll be worth monitoring how he’s moving, especially coming off a knee injury.
Overcoming Broncos defense
Whenever the Chargers face the Broncos, they know that they will be tasked with coming out on top against one of their biggest strengths. Denver’s defensive backs and defensive line is among one of the best in the league, and they’ve given Los Angeles problems in the past.
Linebacker Von Miller is one of the most prolific pass rushers and despite the loss to linebacker Bradley Chubb, he along with the rest of the defensive line won’t be an easy task for an offensive line that’s been up-and-down this season.
On top of that, the Broncos boast a veteran loaded secondary that ranks No. 5 in passing yards allowed in the NFL. The Bolts have a depleted pass catching group, so they will have to ensure other players not named Keenan Allen or Mike Williams are stepping up.
Quarterback Philip Rivers praised Miller and emphasized that he’s gone “against cornerback Chris Harris, Miller and defensive end Derek Wolfe for many years and that the familiarity on both sides will make for a tough matchup.”
