Tag: Denver Broncos

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NFL (American Football)

In Denver, Chiefs backup Carson Wentz will face a pass rush unlike anything the Broncos have experienced before

Carson Wentz passes in the 2nd half

The Denver Broncos have set a franchise record with 58 sacks, leading the NFL. They hope to add to that total this Sunday when Carson Wentz fills in for Patrick Mahomes, with the Kansas City Chiefs resting some of their stars ahead of the playoffs.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph promised a more aggressive defense this season, and the pass rushers have responded with more sacks than any other Broncos team in the franchise’s 65-year history. The Broncos are averaging almost four sacks per game.

“Still kind of taken aback by it,” said outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper. “There’s been so many great players that played on the D-line here. We’re just humbled, honestly. I’m humbled about it, just want to get back to work.

I feel like our best ball still hasn’t been played for any one of us. We’re going to continue to grow as players and keep going. I just feel like the sky is the limit and this has given us a lot of confidence moving forward.”

Fifteen Broncos players have recorded a sack this season, led by outside linebacker Nik Bonitto with 11 1/2 sacks. He is the first Denver defender since 2018 to reach double-digit sacks, and Cooper, who has 9 1/2 sacks, could join him if he sacks Wentz on Sunday.

Anthony Richardson passes in the 1st half

Defensive end Zach Allen is also close to double-digit sacks, with a career-best 8 1/2 sacks after sacking Joe Burrow three times last week. Allen’s back-to-back sacks of Burrow in overtime helped the Broncos break their 40-year franchise sack record.

“It’s really amazing, just knowing the types of guys that we have not only in that edge room but in the defensive tackle room,” Bonitto said. “We always have a rush plan each and every week.

Everyone always sticks to it, and we always are trying to find ways to work well together in the game. You can’t really just give it to one guy, there are so many guys that can contribute and help other guys get sacks. It’s me, Coop, JFM (John Franklin-Myers), and Zach, even the young guys like Till (OLB Dondrea Tillman) and (OLB) Jonah (Ellis). It’s just a collective group.”

Despite the record, the Broncos were disappointed after their loss to the Bengals, which kept them from clinching a playoff spot. “Yeah, Joe is elite for a reason,” Allen said. “I think it’s pretty hard not to say he’s a — if not THE — top quarterback in the league. There’s a reason why he got to the Super Bowl a couple years ago, wins big playoff games. Give him credit. He’s a gamer.”

The Broncos had success against Mahomes earlier in the season when they sacked him four times in Week 10. But Mahomes will sit out on Sunday as the Chiefs (15-1), having already secured the top seed in the AFC, face the Broncos (9-7), who need a win to end an eight-year playoff drought.

Patrick Mahomes watches the game in the 2nd half

Denver will face many of the Chiefs’ backups, including Wentz, who is looking to showcase his skills and earn a starting role somewhere else in 2025.

This situation is similar to last year when Wentz filled in for Matthew Stafford in the Los Angeles Rams’ season finale. In that game, the Niners sacked him twice, but Wentz led the Rams to a 21-20 victory, throwing two touchdowns and scoring on a 12-yard run with 4:56 remaining, followed by a successful 2-point conversion pass.

A win or tie for the Broncos would send them to the playoffs for the first time since Super Bowl 50, which they won after the 2015 season. That team had a legendary defense, known for the “No Fly Zone” secondary and pass rushers DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller, helping them to a franchise-record 52 sacks.

Two Broncos rookies, Ellis and Tillman, have each recorded five sacks this season. Ellis, a seventh-round draft pick from Utah, and Tillman, who went undrafted out of Indiana and played for the Birmingham Stallions, have both made significant contributions. Safety Justin Strnad has three sacks, including one of Aaron Rodgers in his first NFL start.

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NFL (American Football)

The Chiefs will start Carson Wentz at quarterback against Denver, with a win securing a playoff spot

Carson Wentz passes in the 2nd half

The Chiefs will start Carson Wentz at quarterback against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. This game doesn’t have much impact for Kansas City, as they’ve already secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. However, it’s a crucial game for the Broncos, who can clinch a playoff spot with a win.

Coach Andy Reid announced on Wednesday that Patrick Mahomes would be resting, just before the team returned to practice after their Christmas Day win in Pittsburgh. Reid didn’t say who else would be resting but mentioned that there are limits to how many players can sit out.

“If someone wants to start messing with it,” Reid said, “there’s not a whole lot of messing going on. So guys play.”

The Broncos need to beat the Chiefs to secure the No. 7 seed and a trip to Buffalo for their first playoff game. If the Broncos lose, they would need the Jets to beat the Dolphins and the Steelers to beat the Bengals to keep their playoff hopes alive.

There’s a good chance that defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is recovering from a calf strain, will be one of the players getting a break. Running back Isiah Pacheco, who has bruised ribs, right tackle Jawaan Taylor with a sore knee, and tight end Travis Kelce, who missed last year’s Week 18 game, could also sit out.

Reid also mentioned considering salary bonuses when deciding who will play. This might mean wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who was traded to the Chiefs from Tennessee, could see plenty of action.

Denver Broncos players celebrate after an interception in the 2nd half

Hopkins needs nine catches to reach 65 and trigger a $250,000 bonus. With 610 receiving yards, another 140 yards would earn him another $250,000. If he catches a touchdown, he would earn an additional $500,000 for reaching six touchdowns this season.

“We want the guys to be able to reach them if they’re reachable,” Reid said.

It will be up to Wentz to throw to Hopkins on Sunday.

Wentz, who signed with Kansas City in the offseason, has mostly been a backup since joining the Chiefs, following in the footsteps of Matt Moore, Chad Henne, and Blaine Gabbert.

He has only played a little since the preseason, completing 2 of 2 passes for 20 yards in a win against Cleveland. Despite limited playing time, Wentz has earned respect from his teammates in the Chiefs locker room.

“I got to train with him in team camp, stuff like that. Carson is an elite QB and a lot of people take that for granted,” said fullback Carson Steele, who may get extra playing time with Pacheco and Kareem Hunt getting rest.

“It’s really cool to see how he performs,” Steele said, “especially being a veteran like himself.”

Wentz, who has started 68 games, mostly with the Philadelphia Eagles, was a Pro Bowl selection in 2017. While his career hasn’t reached the same heights since then, he still has plenty of experience. He has started just eight games over the last three seasons with the Commanders, Rams, and Chiefs.

Wentz signed with Kansas City partly to rebuild his value and potentially start elsewhere next season.

“It’s obviously been different,” Wentz said. “But I’ve stayed locked in, stayed ready, prepared every week. I’ve taken some things from Pat, working with him, but every week I’m staying locked in and ready to go.”

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NFL (American Football)

Broncos focus on winning, no matter who the Chiefs rest, as they aim to end playoff drought

Bo Nix runs with the ball in the 1st half

The Denver Broncos are not letting the fact that they won’t face Patrick Mahomes or several other Kansas City Chiefs starters on Sunday make them feel more at ease with a playoff spot on the line.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid announced on Wednesday that Mahomes would be resting, but he didn’t specify who else might join him on the sideline.

It’s possible that standout defensive tackle Chris Jones (calf strain) will also sit out, along with running back Isiah Pacheco (rib injury), right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee soreness), and tight end Travis Kelce, who missed last year’s Week 18 game as well.

“We have to play the game to win, that’s all that matters,” said Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton. “We don’t care about none of the other stuff. Whoever has on shoulder pads and is wearing red, white, and yellow, we have to beat them boys.”

Sutton added, “We don’t care who shows up and plays. We don’t care who sits. We don’t care who doesn’t play, who does play. We don’t care about any of that. The Denver Broncos have to show up Sunday and win the game.”

If the Broncos (9-7) win, they will secure a playoff spot for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 victory in February 2016, which was Peyton Manning’s final game.

Patrick Mahomes watches the game in the 2nd half

Since then, the franchise has gone through six head coaches and over a dozen starting quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the Chiefs (15-1) earned the top AFC playoff spot after a three-game win streak, capped by a 29-10 win over Pittsburgh on Christmas Day.

Reid is using this final game to rest key players who will have a lengthy break before returning for an AFC divisional playoff game on January 18 or 19.

Broncos coach Sean Payton acknowledged Reid’s strategy, saying, “When you go 15-1, then you’re afforded those decisions, and I’ve been in that position where your team might need a break here or there. They’ve earned that, and that’s part of the deal. For us, it’s about understanding what we’re seeing scheme-wise and being ready to play our best game.”

The Broncos missed opportunities to secure a playoff spot in the last two weeks with road losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals. However, they are focused on controlling their destiny with a win-and-in game at home on Sunday.

“You could say that it would have been nice to be able to go into this game and have your position locked in,” Sutton said. “But in terms of a storybook thing that you couldn’t really write up any better, I think this is the best opportunity that we could have to go in and solidify why we deserve to be in the dance.”

Courtland Sutton in the 1st down in the 1st half

If the Broncos lose or tie against the Chiefs, they can still make the playoffs if the Cincinnati Bengals lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins lose to the New York Jets. However, the Broncos aren’t counting on other teams to help them.

“We gotta win the game, simple,” Sutton said. “There’s nothing that goes into it. We gotta win the game. People say it’s never black and white — it’s black and white. We gotta win the game. And that’s as simple as it gets.”

Last season, the Broncos broke a 16-game losing streak to the Chiefs with a 24-9 victory in Denver. This year, they came close to beating Kansas City in Week 10, but the Chiefs blocked a 33-yard field goal attempt at the end of the game to preserve a 16-14 win.

After that painful loss, the Broncos made changes to their field goal protection unit, shifting Alex Forsyth and Matt Peart to the left side. Since then, kicker Wil Lutz has been perfect, hitting all 12 of his field goal attempts and all 22 extra points.

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NFL (American Football)

The second matchup between Patrick Surtain and Ja’Marr Chase takes center stage in the Broncos-Bengals

Ja'Marr Chase and Jermaine Burton in the 2nd half

If anyone can slow down Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase, it’s Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

Surtain did it before in 2021 when both were rookies. In that game, Surtain limited Chase to just one catch for 3 yards on four targets, while Joe Burrow threw for only 157 yards.

“That was early in my career. Rookie year? Yeah, it was a good game,” Surtain said. “They came in with a high-striking offense and we knew that we had to eliminate the explosives, eliminate their top threat. Ja’Marr, he’s a great player, one of, if not the best, receivers in the league.”

This weekend, Surtain and the Denver defense will get some help with the expected return of second-year cornerback Riley Moss, who has been out for a month with a sprained MCL.

Moss’s return would allow defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to switch back to mostly man coverage instead of zone coverage. This way, Surtain could focus on defending Chase (108 catches for 1,510 yards and 16 touchdowns), while Moss would cover Tee Higgins (58 receptions for 727 yards and seven touchdowns).

“They got a lot going on with themselves on the offensive side of the ball, so it’s gonna be a good challenge,” Surtain said. “Trying to eliminate them like how we did that time would be great.”

Patrick Surtain II reacts after breaking up a pass in the 2nd half

Slowing down Chase could be crucial for the Broncos (9-6) to eliminate the Bengals (7-8) from playoff contention. Cincinnati needs a win to stay in the race, while the Broncos can clinch their first playoff spot since 2015 with a win or tie on Saturday.

Back in 2021, both the Bengals and Broncos were 7-6 when Surtain and Chase faced off for the first time. Despite Chase having his worst statistical game of his career, the Bengals won 15-10 in Denver and went on to make a Super Bowl run.

The Broncos lost their last three games that season, finishing with a 7-10 record, which marked the end of seven straight losing seasons. They broke that streak this year.

The Broncos missed a chance to clinch a playoff spot last Thursday after blowing a double-digit second-half lead in a 34-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Although coach Sean Payton had written “Run It!!” in large letters on his play sheet, he only called 14 run plays after the Broncos drove down the field for a touchdown on their opening drive, with four running backs combining for seven carries and 43 yards, capped by Audric Estime’s 3-yard touchdown.

With rain expected on Sunday, the Broncos are likely to run the ball more, as they face Chase and Burrow on the other side.

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NFL (American Football)

Lamar Jackson Cleared to Play Sunday, Ready to Lead Ravens Against Broncos in Week 9

Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson (NFL)

The Baltimore Ravens and their fans can breathe a sigh of relief as star quarterback Lamar Jackson confirmed his readiness to play in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Jackson assured everyone that he is “100 percent” and emphasized that his absence from practice earlier in the week was simply to rest his body during the demanding NFL season. His comments came after concerns arose due to his appearance on the injury report with back and knee issues earlier in the week.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh clarified that Jackson’s initial absence from practice on Wednesday was due to a planned rest day, even though the injury report listed him as a non-participant. When Jackson missed practice again on Thursday, speculation grew about his availability for Week 9. However, the quarterback returned to practice on Friday, was removed from the injury report and is now poised to lead his team in an important matchup against the Broncos.

Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson (NFL)

Jackson has been having another remarkable season, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. With 2,099 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and only two interceptions so far, he’s complemented his passing prowess with two rushing touchdowns and an NFL-leading 501 rushing yards among quarterbacks. His stellar performance underscores his value as the reigning AP NFL Most Valuable Player and a cornerstone of Baltimore’s offense.

To preserve Jackson’s health for the long season ahead, Coach Harbaugh hinted at potentially reducing his practice workload in the future. This strategic approach aims to manage Jackson’s minor injuries and ensure he is at his peak on game days. Harbaugh’s acknowledgment reflects the team’s commitment to safeguarding their franchise quarterback as they navigate a competitive season.

The Ravens, holding a 5-3 record, are eager to bounce back from a surprising 29-23 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Sunday’s game against the Broncos, who also have a 5-3 record, presents an opportunity for Baltimore to regain momentum. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, with Jackson ready to lead his team onto the field and continue his impressive campaign.

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NFL (American Football)

The Broncos’ mistakes derail a rare strong start and prevent them from securing their first playoff spot since 2015

Sean Payton
Sean Payton (NFL)

Sean Payton was frustrated after the Denver Broncos lost both their momentum and the NFL’s first successful fair-catch kick in 48 years.

Cameron Dicker’s 57-yard field goal helped the Chargers complete a 34-27 comeback on Thursday night, ending Denver’s four-game winning streak and stopping the Broncos (9-6) from securing their first playoff spot since 2015.

“It’s just a dumb penalty,” said Tremon Smith, who hit punt returner Derius Davis at the Chargers’ 38-yard line as the first half ended. The 15-yard penalty moved the ball past midfield, setting up the fair-catch kick, the first successful one since Ray Wersching did it for the San Diego Chargers 48 years ago.

Dicker’s field goal made the score 21-13 and triggered a 24-6 run by the Chargers (9-6), who swept the Broncos for the first time since 2010.

“The penalty put them in field goal position,” Payton said. “So, it’s disappointing.”

Payton also regretted his play-calling in the last minute of the first half, which led to the rare rule allowing a team to attempt a free kick for three points after making a fair catch, with defenders at least 10 yards away.

After scoring on their first three possessions, the Broncos led 21-10 when they got the ball back at their 18-yard line with 41 seconds remaining before halftime. Instead of running out the clock, Payton called two short passes to running back Javonte Williams.

Denver Broncos players celebrate after an interception in the 2nd half

The first pass lost three yards but burned 24 seconds. The second was incomplete, stopping the clock at 17 seconds.

On third down, Williams rushed for one yard, and Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh called a timeout with 8 seconds left. The clock ran out on Riley Dixon’s punt, but Smith’s penalty gave the Chargers another opportunity. Dicker came out and kicked the field goal.

“Typically, you’d be pretty conservative,” Payton said. “We were going to have the ball (to start the third quarter). We ran a screen and then when the clock got low enough, we didn’t get any momentum going there.”

The Broncos never regained momentum. After a field goal gave them a 24-13 lead midway through the third quarter, they couldn’t stop the Chargers, who scored three touchdowns in the late game to deny Denver a playoff spot.

“We had a fast start, I was encouraged by that,” Payton said. “Then uncharacteristically this season, we didn’t finish or play nearly well enough in the second half, both offensively and defensively.”

Payton had agreed to move the game to Thursday night, hoping it would benefit the Broncos since it pushed the Bengals’ game against Cleveland to the weekend. The Broncos play Cincinnati next week, meaning the Bengals will have a shorter week than Denver.

But losing in LA puts the Broncos in a tough spot as they finish their season against Joe Burrow and then Kansas City. They still have an 86% chance to make the playoffs, but the loss leaves them with extra time to reflect on a missed opportunity to clinch before the holidays.

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NFL (American Football)

Justin Herbert throws two touchdown passes, the Chargers come from behind to defeat the Broncos 34-27

Justin Herbert celebrates after a touchdown in the 2nd half

Justin Herbert threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns, including a 19-yard touchdown pass to Derius Davis early in the fourth quarter that put the Chargers ahead. The Los Angeles Chargers rallied past the Denver Broncos 34-27 on Thursday night, moving closer to securing a playoff spot.

One of the highlights of the Chargers’ comeback was Cameron Dicker making the first successful fair-catch kick in the NFL in 48 years. Dicker made the 57-yard kick on the final play of the first half, pulling the Chargers within 21-13.

Gus Edwards ran for two touchdowns for Los Angeles (9-6), who now need losses by Indianapolis and Miami on Sunday to clinch their second playoff spot in three years.

Denver (9-6) could have clinched a playoff spot with a win but saw their four-game winning streak end. Despite this, the Broncos still have an 85% chance of making the playoffs, but they face tough challenges ahead with games at Cincinnati on Dec. 28 and against Kansas City in Week 18.

Bo Nix scrambles in the 1st half

Bo Nix completed 29 of 40 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns for Denver, which was swept by the Chargers for the first time since 2010.

The Broncos seemed to be on track to secure their first playoff spot since 2015 after taking a 21-10 lead by scoring on their first three drives. However, after Wil Lutz made a 41-yard field goal to give Denver a 24-13 lead midway through the third quarter, the Chargers made their comeback.

Edwards, who had 14 carries for 68 yards, ran for a 5-yard touchdown to get the Chargers within 24-19, but their 2-point conversion attempt failed when Herbert was stopped short of the goal line.

After Denver was forced to punt for the second time in three possessions, the Chargers took their first lead. On first-and-10 from the Denver 19-yard line, Herbert scrambled left and threw across his body to Davis, who caught the pass with 12:29 left in the game.

Herbert then threw a 2-point conversion pass to Joshua Palmer, who tipped the ball with his left hand before catching it as he went out of bounds to give the Chargers a 27-24 lead.

The Chargers sealed the win with 2:27 remaining when Herbert threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Hassan Haskins.

Lutz made a 55-yard field goal with 57 seconds left to get Denver within a touchdown, but Los Angeles recovered the onside kick, ending any hopes of a Broncos comeback.

Los Angeles Chargers players celebrate a touchdown in the 1st half

Herbert completed passes to 10 different players, including Ladd McConkey, who had six receptions for 87 yards.

Nix had two touchdown passes in the first half and completed 15 of 21 passes for 155 yards before halftime.

It was the first time this season that the Chargers’ defense allowed scores on three consecutive possessions to start a game.

The Broncos took a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter when Audric Estime ran for a 3-yard touchdown. It was the third time this season Denver scored on their opening possession.

The Chargers tied the game on their next drive when Edwards ran for a 1-yard touchdown. But Denver regained the lead when Nix rolled to his right and threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Burton early in the second quarter.

One play after Marvin Mims caught a screen pass from Nix and ran for 53 yards, Devaughn Vele caught a 6-yard touchdown pass in the left corner of the end zone to give the Broncos a 21-10 lead with 6:22 remaining in the first half.

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NFL (American Football)

The Denver Broncos are close to securing their first playoff spot since their Super Bowl 50 victory in 2016

Denver Broncos players in the 1st half

The Denver Broncos are close to making the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 after the 2015 season.

This would break the longest playoff drought following a Super Bowl win, and they can finally end it with a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) on Thursday night.

A win would also give the Broncos (9-5) their first five-game winning streak since they beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in that Super Bowl, which was their third title.

“Punching their ticket to the playoffs would be absolutely amazing, especially my first year here, too,” said safety Brandon Jones, who joined the team in free agency in March. “I am just super happy and super grateful for this opportunity to be here.

I truly just love every guy in here, and I think we deserve it. We have put the work in. We have a bond that goes beyond the field, and I am just happy that is finally able to be shown off.”

While Jones and other players think about the playoff spot, seventh-year player Courtland Sutton isn’t looking too far ahead.

Denver Broncos players celebrate in the 2nd half

“Naw, not at all. I mean, shoot, we’ve got a big game Thursday, another opportunity to step in the direction of where we ultimately want to go, but man, there’s so much more ahead of us,” Sutton said Tuesday.

One thing Sutton is happy about, however, is that the Broncos, with a better than 90% chance of making the playoffs, are in control of their own fate.

“It is a good feeling to be in a space of if we take care of what we need to take care of, it’s not like a ‘we need six teams to lose and do this and do that,’” Sutton said. “So, it’s nice to almost be able to control our own destiny. But with that being said, we do have some big games to finish the season.”

After the Chargers game, the Broncos will head to Cincinnati for another prime-time match against the Bengals (6-8) on Dec. 28, followed by a season finale at home against the Kansas City Chiefs (13-1), who have won the AFC West for nine straight years.

The Broncos ended one long losing streak on Sunday with a 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. This marks their first winning season since 2016, when they went 9-7 under coach Gary Kubiak.

“I didn’t even know about that,” said right tackle Mike McGlinchey, who joined the Broncos last year as a free agent from the 49ers. “I guess mathematically, we can’t go under .500 now, which is cool. It’s not really about that. That’s a consolation prize to me. What it’s really about is getting into the dance, and we have a chance to do that in these next few weeks.”

“It’s been tough here for a while,” pass rusher Jonathon Cooper said. “So, the fact that we’re getting this thing turned around, I’m sure it’s great for the fans and shout-out to Broncos Country.”

Bo Nix runs with the ball in the 2nd half

Tight end Nate Adkins, who scored a touchdown last week, called the Broncos’ win a double boost because it gave them a two-game lead over the Colts, plus the tiebreaker, in the AFC wild-card race.

“This was the team that was running on our heels,” Adkins said. “But we’re more so looking to catch teams. Getting up to the five (seed), get the best seed possible. So obviously, just turn our focus to the Chargers.”

The Broncos and Chargers swapped playoff positions last weekend, with Denver moving up to sixth place and the Chargers, who lost to Tampa Bay, dropping to seventh and the final spot. Baltimore (9-5), which beat Denver on Nov. 3, is in fifth place.

While Sutton isn’t allowing himself to think too much about the future, eighth-year left tackle Garett Bolles, the longest-tenured Bronco, imagines what it will feel like to finally make the playoffs.

“It means the world to me, you know, I haven’t done it since I’ve been here so to get back to where we belong and to bring our amazing fans the opportunity to cheer for us deep in the playoffs, it’s awesome, it’s an awesome feeling,” Bolles said. “We just got to focus on one game at a time. We got a big game coming up this week.”

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NFL (American Football)

Chargers focus on the Broncos as they work to fix issues with their defense

Los Angeles Chargers players celebrate in the 1st half

If there was ever a week for the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense to appreciate a short break between games, it’s this one.

After giving up 512 yards in a 40-17 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday, the Chargers have quickly shifted their focus to preparing for Denver and Thursday night’s AFC West game, which has playoff implications for both teams.

For the Chargers to win, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s unit must recover from its worst game of the season.

“It don’t matter what the Broncos got, it is about us,” safety Derwin James Jr. said. “As players, we didn’t need the coaches to come in and tell us what needed to be fixed. It’s on us as players to go out and execute.”

The defense must get better at getting off the field. After allowing opponents to convert just 33.3% of their third-down attempts over the first 12 games, the Chargers gave up 17 of 30 conversions on third down, including two touchdowns, in losses to Kansas City and Tampa Bay.

What’s even more concerning is that the Chargers haven’t forced a punt in five quarters and have allowed scoring drives on 10 of their opponents’ last 13 possessions.

“Anytime you don’t play well is a concern. We’ve had good stretches, we’ve had some rough stretches,” Minter said. “You hope that you have a strong enough foundation that you’ve done enough things together, that you can look at each other and fix your problems, trust each other and move on to the next one.”

The defense’s main concern for Thursday night might be stopping Denver QB Bo Nix, who scrambled six times for 60 yards and managed to throw on the run outside the pocket.

Denver Williams and Bo Nix celebrates a touchdown in the 1st half

Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield did the same in the Chargers’ last two games.

Nix is tied for fourth among quarterbacks with 38 scrambles and has gained 264 yards on those plays. He has 327 total rushing yards.

“He’s doing good for a rookie. He has taken command of the offense and spread the ball around,” James said about Nix.

The Broncos’ offense has scored at least three touchdowns in two straight games for the first time this season.

Linebacker Khalil Mack is hoping the Chargers come out with more energy than they did against the Buccaneers. Mack said the lack of energy was noticeable not just on the field but also when watching video after the game.

“We have to bring some energy and juice. You could see from the first play, the energy wasn’t there,” he said. “We were playing like things were just kind of routine. We have to play with that excitement. It wasn’t there on all levels.”

Despite losing three of their last four games, the Chargers (8-6) can secure a playoff spot with a win on Thursday night and losses by the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Los Angeles currently holds the seventh seed in the AFC, which would lead to a first-round playoff game against the second-seeded team, which could be Buffalo or Kansas City.

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NFL (American Football)

Colts take responsibility for costly mistakes but must find solutions to keep their playoff hopes alive

DeForest Buckner leaves the field after the game

One by one, the Indianapolis Colts took responsibility for their many mistakes on Sunday.

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. regretted showing his frustration on the field. Rookie receiver Adonai Mitchell explained that he didn’t see Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto when he threw a risky lateral pass to quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Running back Jonathan Taylor apologized to his teammates for dropping the ball — both literally and figuratively.

The explanations continued on Monday when coach Shane Steichen told reporters that he was responsible for the mistakes that led to the tough 31-13 loss to Denver.

“It comes down to consistency and it starts with myself,” Steichen said. “We’ve got to be consistent in everything we do. We’ve got to take care of the football moving forward because I thought our defense played a heck of a game.”

However, the ongoing inconsistency might cost the Colts (6-8) a chance at the playoffs.

Indianapolis hasn’t won two games in a row for two months. While some mistakes are expected from a second-year quarterback like Richardson, his performance has been unpredictable, sometimes even from one play to the next.

On Sunday, it wasn’t just Richardson’s two interceptions or Mitchell’s risky pass, which Bonitto turned into a game-changing touchdown. Steichen also blamed himself for trying to spark the team with a play call that put Mitchell in a difficult situation.

Courtland Sutton catches a touchdown in the 2nd half

“It was there pretty much until (No.) 15 (Bonitto) turned into Ed Reed,” Mitchell said, referring to the Hall of Fame safety known for making plays like that.

The Colts had five turnovers in the game, including a rare fumble lost by Pittman, which led to a field goal for Denver. Taylor will never forget the one where he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line.

Instead of giving the Colts a 20-7 lead, the touchdown was wiped off the board, and Denver got the ball back because the ball went out of bounds for a touchback.

“We’ve talked about those (situations),” Steichen said, referring to similar issues that have happened around the league this season. “We talk about letters and logos (in the end zone) and finishing through the end.”

With three games left and Indianapolis two games out of the AFC’s seventh and final playoff spot — and behind the Broncos in tiebreakers — Sunday’s loss could determine if the Colts make it to the postseason.

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NFL (American Football)

The Broncos surged ahead with five takeaways, defeating the Colts 31-13

Denver Boncos players celebrate after a touchdown

Nik Bonitto’s defensive touchdown was amazing, while Jonathan Taylor’s failed touchdown run was surprising.

Bonitto ruined a trick play by stepping in front of quarterback Anthony Richardson and intercepting Adonai Mitchell’s lateral pass. He then ran 50 yards for a touchdown that helped the Denver Broncos secure a 31-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

The game turned around in the third quarter due to a mistake by Taylor. Indianapolis’ star running back dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line on what should have been a 41-yard touchdown.

“That can’t happen,” Taylor said, who finished with 107 yards but no touchdowns on 22 carries. “No, you’re never consciously aware you’re dropping the ball. Otherwise, you wouldn’t do it.”

The mistake gave the Broncos new energy, with their special teams and defense stepping up to support an offense that only managed 193 yards.

“If he would have scored that touchdown, it would have been even more of a dogfight to get back,” said Denver pass rusher Jonathon Cooper. “We would have had a tougher fight. … I just hope it never happens to us.”

Bo Nix throws in the 1st half

Denver’s defenders were disappointed as they walked off the field, but the fans suddenly started cheering. Safety P.J. Locke looked up and saw the replay on the big screen, realizing the Broncos had been given a chance.

Instead of the Colts going for the extra point to take a 20-7 lead, the touchback meant the Colts were only ahead by six points, which they soon lost.

“That was a game changer, yeah, absolutely,” said Colts coach Shane Steichen. “Obviously, it hurt us, but he’s one of our leaders. Sometimes that happens in football, but he’s our guy, and that’s what you say to him.”

With five takeaways, the Broncos (9-5) ended a seven-year stretch of losing seasons and moved closer to securing an AFC wild-card spot, which would break a playoff drought that started in 2016. That was the last time they were four games above .500, during their Super Bowl 50 title defense.

The Colts (6-8) lost their 10-0 lead and missed a big chance to stay in the AFC wild-card race. Taylor’s mistake and Bonitto’s play were the main reasons.

Denver had just taken its first lead of the game with Bo Nix’s 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nate Adkins, making it 17-13, when Bonitto scored his second touchdown in as many games.

Bonitto, who had a pick-6 against Cleveland before the Broncos’ bye week, was in full stride when he intercepted Mitchell’s pass at midfield and ran all the way to the end zone untouched.

The play was officially recorded as a fumble recovery, not a pick-6, because it was a backward pass. Regardless of the term used, Cooper said it was the boost the Broncos needed.

“Man, I love playing with this dude,” Cooper said. “His football instincts are off the charts. He’s a phenomenal football player. He’s got my vote for Defensive Player of the Year.”

Jonathan Taylor runs with the ball in the 1st half

Mitchell said his coach had told him to throw the ball away if he saw the Broncos reading the trick play, but he didn’t realize Denver had figured it out.

“It was there pretty much until 15 turned into Ed Reed and just came through out of nowhere,” Mitchell said.

Denver’s five takeaways helped make up for Nix’s first three-interception game of his rookie season.

One of Denver’s interceptions was by cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who limped off the field with a sprained right ankle. He returned to the game but had to be helped off the field near the 2-minute warning after aggravating the injury.

He left the stadium without speaking but wasn’t wearing a walking boot, which was a positive sign as the Broncos prepare for their next game with a short week.

Denver’s scoring began with Wil Lutz’s 44-yard field goal, which pulled the Broncos to within 13-10, and ended with Nix’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton.

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NFL (American Football)

The Denver Broncos have reached a four-year extension agreement with left tackle Garett Bolles to help safeguard rookie QB Bo Nix

Denver Williams and Bo Nix celebrates a touchdown in the 1st half

The Denver Broncos extended left tackle Garett Bolles’ contract for four years on Thursday, securing an important player to protect rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

Bolles has been with the Broncos since he was drafted from Utah as the 20th overall pick in 2017. He now has an opportunity to help the Broncos reach the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 win in the 2015 season.

Currently, the Broncos (8-5) hold the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC and can improve their position with a win against the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) on Sunday.

Bolles had a rough start in Denver but has become a reliable pass protector. So far this season, he’s allowed just one sack and 24 quarterback pressures over 13 starts. His 4.9 percent quarterback pressure rate is the second-lowest among tackles with at least 200 pass-blocking snaps this season, according to NextGen Stats.

With good protection, Nix leads all rookie quarterbacks with 277 completions, 2,842 passing yards, 22 offensive touchdowns, and 17 passing touchdowns.

Garett Bolles (NFL)

Bolles earned second-team Associated Press All-Pro honors in 2020. On social media, he shared, “Broncos Country, It’s been a great 8 years! Thanks for everything! And … I’m not leaving. The show goes on!”

Since 2017, Bolles has allowed the sixth-fewest sacks (36) among tackles with at least 3,100 snaps.

With Bolles’ extension, all five of the Broncos’ starting offensive linemen are now signed through next season. Guard Quinn Meinerz also signed a four-year extension in July.

In addition to Bolles, the Broncos extended cornerback Patrick Surtain II with a four-year, $96 million deal in September, including $77.5 million in guarantees. In November, linebacker Jonathon Cooper also signed a four-year, $60 million extension.