Manning, Broncos too much for banged-up Chargers
DENVER — Breaking down the Broncos' 35-21 win over the Chargers:
Why the Broncos won: It was another classic Peyton Manning night. Just days after he broke the NFL's all-time passing touchdown record, Manning threw three more as the Broncos offense once again showed it has too many skill position players for the average defense to cover. But Manning and the passing game also got a boost from the running game — with another strong night by starter Ronnie Hillman and two goal-line touchdowns by rookie Juwan Thompson. With a two-dimensional offense, the Broncos are going to be hard to beat.
Why the Chargers lost: The Chargers have managed to survive many injuries this season, but it appeared to finally catch up to them Thursday night, especially with the absence of starting cornerback Brandon Flowers (concussion). Rookie corner Jason Verrett (shoulder) started, but he struggled and left the game in the first half.
Turning point: The recipe for the Chargers to beat the Broncos was clear: Keep the ball away from Manning. Denver cornerback Chris Harris spoiled that plan early in the third quarter, intercepting a Rivers pass to give the ball back to Manning. Instead of the Chargers burning clock and driving for a score that could have tied the game, Manning turned that turnover into a touchdown — and a 21-7 lead — six plays later.
Key player: It took until last week for Emmanuel Sanders to get his first touchdown as a Bronco, but now the scores are coming in bunches. Sanders, the Broncos' biggest offensive addition in the offseason, caught three touchdown passes from Manning and recorded his fourth 100-yard receiving game of the season. He never had a 100-yard game or a multi-touchdown game in four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Stat that tells the story: The Chargers offense certainly remained patient with their rushing game, but it just wasn't working. Denver held San Diego to just 61 rushing yards on 15 attempts — though 23 yards came on the final play of the game. It was yet another reminder that Denver's run defense might be one of the most underrated groups in the NFL this season. The Broncos have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season.
What's next for the Broncos: Denver will travel to New England in Week 9 to play the Patriots in a rematch of last season's AFC Championship game — and yet another chapter in the Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady saga. Manning is 0-2 in games in Foxborough since signing with the Broncos.
What's next for the Chargers: The Chargers travel to Miami next week trying to avoid a three-game losing streak in a game that could be important in the AFC playoff race.
Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @lindsayhjones.
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