Monday NFL Week 6 Final and Notes

3423

Do you believe in the Denver Broncos now? Once again, Denver used a stiffling defense in the second half to overcome a halftime deficit and take a pivotal divisional game against the San Diego Chargers. The loss leaves San Diego 3 1/2 games behind the Broncos in the AFC West. Last year, the Chargers erased a four game deficit to win the division. But this is not the same Denver Broncos of a year ago. Once again, the Broncos were in the national spotlight and managed to deliver a win. Some quick notes.

1. The Broncos defensive unit features eight new starters from the 2008 version, including the NFL's leading sack man, Elvis Dumervil (left). Chargers QB Philip Rivers faced constant pressure in passing situations as Denver accumulated 5 sacks and plenty of hurried pass attempts. The Chargers could only muster one sack and Broncos QB Kyle Orton appeared to have plenty of time while in the pocket. The defense is quickly becoming Denver's calling card, especially in the second half of games. For the season, the Broncos defense has allowed only 10 second points (3 last night and 7 against Cincinnati in week 1).

2. There was possibly one positive for San Diego. RB LaDainian Tomlinson showed glimpses of his former self. LT managed 70 yards on 18 carries and 30 yards on 3 receptions. Rivers had a decent game going 20 of 33 for 274 yards and a TD. For the Broncos, the running game did amass 101 yards, but TE Tony Sheffler provided matchup headaches for the Bolts as he produced 6 catches for 101 yards with a TD. Don't look at Denver as just a defensive team. They can play a little offense, too.

3. But this night belonged to the special teams. Broncos WR Eddie Royal returned a kickoff 93 yards for a TD and a punt 71 yards for a TD. Since the merger, Royal is now 1 of 6 players to return a kickoff and a punt for TD in the same game. One of the other 6 is Chargers Darren Sproles. He also returned a punt for 77 yards and a TD in this game.

4. While I was watching the postgame, a couple of quotes from the analysts rang true. First, coach Jon Gruden. I've ribbed him for his constant referrals to Brett Favre. This week, he provided this: "...the Denver Broncos finish games." And ESPN's Steve Young, also in support of Josh McDaniels and his Patriots pedigree: "...better coached, better prepared...". McDaniels has brought the New England philosophy with him to Denver and it's working wonders for the franchise. But McDaniels summed it up best. In his postgame interview, he delivers what every coach says, but few deliver. "...we haven't done anything yet. We're gonna play every game to win it. That's how we prepare." That quotes sounds like he took it from his old boss.

5. The 50 th anniversary AFL uniforms.

Denver received a lot of "thumbs down" of their home 1960 throwback uniforms. While there was still the look of striped socks last night (left), the away unis are a bit better than the home (right). The yellow stripes on the pants? Ugh. But Broncos Eddie Royal was asked if he liked those socks. "We're 2-0 in 'em." Can't argue with that. The Chargers powder blues are as awesome as always. Until last night, the Chargers had won 9 straight contests in those powder blues.

6. Here's something you may not know. Kyle Orton is a winner. Considering all the controversy that surrounded Orton and Rex Grossman in Chicago and many wouldn't believe it. Orton is merely 27-12 as a starter. Do the math and he was 21-12 at the beginning of the season. To Chicago, Denver thanks you.

The Broncos will be on a bye next week while the Chargers travel to Arrowhead Stadium to battle the Kansas City Chiefs.