Maybe the Denver Broncos wore their throwback uniforms a week too early.
Sunday’s game between the Broncos (3-2) and the Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) at Empower Field features two of the NFL’s best defenses and two offenses that are still developing.
The Chargers allow the fewest points in the league, with only 12.5 points per game. The Broncos are right behind them, giving up 14.6 points each game.
Both teams have offenses ranked near the bottom, as they work on their issues with a new quarterback (Bo Nix in Denver) or a new coordinator (Greg Roman in L.A.). They are competing in the AFC West to see who can keep up with the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs (5-0), who have won the division for the last eight seasons.
Los Angeles averages 17 points per game, while Denver’s average increased to 19.2 points after their 34-point performance against Las Vegas last week, which was the Broncos’ highest score in 43 games.
Denver’s defense played a big role in that win, highlighted by star cornerback Patrick Surtain’s 100-yard interception return for a touchdown.
“He’s a very good corner,” Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said. “He’s one of those guys who gets things done. He finds a way. He’s hardly ever out of position.”
The rest of the team is strong too, as Denver’s defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has done an excellent job even without top tackler Alex Singleton, who is having surgery next week for a torn ACL that ended his season two weeks ago.
“They are hardly ever out of position,” Herbert said, praising Surtain. “They’re so fundamental and very talented. It’s a great combination for them, especially the way they are able to get after the passer.”
The Broncos are third in the league with 19 sacks and sixth with eight takeaways, which is one more than the Chargers have despite playing one fewer game.
“They do a good job keeping everything in front of them,” Nix said. “They don’t give up explosives. They’ve kept everybody to low-scoring games.”
With first-year coordinator Jesse Minter, the Chargers have allowed the fewest explosive plays in the league, with only 21 so far (running plays of at least 12 yards and receptions of at least 16 yards). This is a big improvement from last year when they allowed 37 of those big plays.
“The game plan is always fun,” said Chargers defensive end Morgan Fox. “It’s never a stagnant game plan. Every game, everything makes sense. And then when we go forward, it’s the energy behind it. And the energy behind the execution is always exciting.”
