As the tailspin continues for the Denver Broncos, the team heads into Los Angeles looking to get into the win column.
The Broncos began play way back in 1960. Simple math tells you that this is season No. 60 for the team. In those other 59 seasons, the team has never, ever been 0-5. That’s what the Broncos are looking to avoid on Sunday.
The Chargers would be happy to knock their division rival to 0-5 but will come into this game missing some key players due to injuries, such as Hunter Henry, Michael Badgley and Justin Jackson. Other stars such as Melvin Ingram and Mike Williams are questionable.
Here are some things to watch for in this game.
1. Can Flacco avoid throwing a pick?
The Broncos have been bad in several areas, but Joe Flacco has thrown an interception in three straight games and during a close loss, turnovers like that prove costly.
In order to win on the road, playing error-free football is helpful. Flacco needs to play a clean game and avoid throwing an interception.
The Chargers have one of the league’s better defensive backs in Casey Hayward.
2. Chargers kicking field goals
The Chargers have been the league’s most kicking team in the NFL for the last few years. They finally found a solid kicker in Badgley, but he has been nursing a groin injury and has yet to play this season.
Through the first four games of the season, the Chargers used their punter, Ty Long, to kick field goals. Though he made seven of his nine attempts, the team chose to sign Chase McLaughlin, an undrafted free agent out of Illinois, earlier this week.
McLaughlin spent this year’s training camp with the Buffalo Bills but failed to make the final roster. If the Chargers have to call on him to kick in this game, it will be something to watch as any kick would mark his first-ever attempt in a regular-season game.
3. How will defense play without Chubb?
The Denver defense has not been anywhere near what many thought it would look like under Vic Fangio. Now, they will have to move forward without one of its best weapons in Bradley Chubb, who is out for the rest of the season following a torn ACL.
Players like Malik Reed and Justin Hollins will have to step up a play a larger role, but it will be a challenge for a defense that only has five sacks on the season.
4. What role will Gordon play?
After holding out to begin this season, Gordon will return to the field in this game. How many snaps he sees remains to be seen.
In his absence, the team received a great effort from Austin Ekeler, who has been one of the best all-around backs in the league this season.
In seven career games against the Broncos, Gordon has been kept in check. He has averaged 18 carries for 66.1 yards in those seven games. He’s never rushed for a touchdown against the Broncos
