The Denver Broncos will face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in a battle of two struggling teams that had much higher expectations this season. The Broncos have won only three games this season and one of those was over the Chargers.
This game could be significant in terms of Broncos history as it could mark the first start in the career of Drew Lock. The second-round pick is widely expected to make the start in this game.
Unless you’re a diehard fan of one of these teams, it might be tough to get interested in this one. However, there are some things to watch for.
How will Lock look?
Fans are always excited to see their team’s high draft picks in action, particularly when it’s the quarterback. But the Broncos haven’t been too anxious to get Lock on the field.
Where does the apprehension come from? Is there fear within the organization that Lock is just not ready for the big stage? It’s always tough to determine when to play a young quarterback, but this is the right decision.
Lock will most likely be the quarterback for the rest of this season, so hopefully, he gets off to a big start.
The Chargers get a superstar back
If there’s a reason for Broncos fans to be nervous about Lock’s first start, it’s because he will go against some of the best young defensive players in football.
Not only will he have to worry about Joey Bosa breathing down his neck, but Derwin James will make his season debut for the Chargers. After missing the entire beginning of the season with a foot stress fracture, James will be on the field on Sunday looking to follow up a strong rookie season with a big finish to this one.
It is possible that the Chargers could also have their other safety, Adrian Phillips, back for this one. Phillips has been out since Week 2 with a broken arm.
Can Broncos fluster Rivers?
Philip Rivers is having a rough year, having turned the ball over 18 times. He is second behind only Jameis Winston for most interceptions thrown this season with 14.
Two of those picks came in the first meeting with the Broncos this season. Denver held Rivers to 32-of-48 passing in that game and gave him fits on defense.
If the Broncos can get pressure on Rivers and force some errant throws or get some strip-sacks, they could get the kind of turnovers that are a big reason the Chargers are 4-7 this season.
Is a big game in store for Lindsay?
Phillip Lindsay has only played two games against the Chargers in his young career, but they have both been productive outings.
Lindsay has rushed for 193 yards and three touchdowns in those two games while averaging 7.4 yards per carry. He has also caught nine passes for 60 yards.
He will likely be a focal point of the Broncos’ offense in this one and another performance like he had in the first two games against the Chargers could lead to the Broncos getting a season sweep of their division rivals this season.
