October 19th, 2009 3:30pm
Monday Night Matchup
Denver Broncos
Vs
San Diego Chargers
It’s probably much more than anyone would have thought when the 2009 regular season began, but the importance of tonight's Monday Night matchup is magnified for many reasons. This has become much more than a simple divisional rivalry game; for both teams tonight will be about "Redemption."
The defending AFC West Champions are in trouble; struggling with their ground game and their defense playing very poor of late getting punched in the mouth and surrendering 38 points to the Steelers back in week 4. With harsh criticism coming from their own front office after being called out by their GM, the Chargers will be looking to re-establish themselves as AfC contended. A win tonight will not put them back in first place, but it will give them much needed momentum and a huge step in the direction of recapturing (the AFC West Division) what they feel is rightfully theirs.
On the other side, things could not be any better for the Denver Broncos winners of their first five games this season. Following their stormy and humble beginnings, first year head coach Josh McDaniels has brought this team a long way. After his questionable moves in the offseason it appears McDaniels has had the answers all along. Part of the answer to those intriguing offseason equations, was the hiring of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. With a lot of the pieces starting to come together and the Broncos playing well, there is still much to prove and for many of the Denver players last season's finale loss to San Diego 52-21 weighs on the mind.
With one team flying a mile high and the other trying to stay afloat this tale seems to be of two teams heading into opposite directions. Tonight they meet and we'll see if the Broncos are the real deal and in control of the West or if the Chargers can get this thing (their season) turned it around. Either way one team will find "Redemption" at the conclusion of tonight's affair.
Broncos:
Kyle Orton is starting to blossom into another Cassel, but with as many weapons as there are in Denver, his numbers could become more Brady-like. This season Orton has passed for 1,236 yards and seven touchdowns in 2009. For the Broncos the passing game will be key and wide receivers Brandon Marshall (24 receptions) and Eddie Royal (18) will play a big part. The Bronco's will have an added bonus tonight with the return of running back Correll Buckhalter (267 yards rushing). Rookie running back Knowshon Moreno (337 yards rushing) anchors the ground game.
Chargers:
For San Diego the offense starts with quarterback Philip Rivers. Since the recent decline of running back LaDanian Tomlinson (recent injuries have limited his play) over the past couple of seasons, Rivers has really blossomed into the teams most consistent playmaker. Without missing a beat, the Chargers quarterback continues to make plays with his arm passing for 1,245 yards in four games and throwing six touchdowns. He most reliable targets have been his tight end Antonio Gates (24 receptions) and wide receiver Vincent Jackson (20 receptions). With LT being limited this season, the Bolts have had to look to scat back Darren Sproles (90 yards rushing).
Prediction:
The Bolts can be an explosive offense, but facing a much improved Bronco's defense they may need more than a passing game to compete in this one.
Broncos 33, Chargers 20.
Remember to check back each week for "Monday Night Matchup"
Monday Night Matchup
Denver Broncos
Vs
San Diego Chargers
It’s probably much more than anyone would have thought when the 2009 regular season began, but the importance of tonight's Monday Night matchup is magnified for many reasons. This has become much more than a simple divisional rivalry game; for both teams tonight will be about "Redemption."
The defending AFC West Champions are in trouble; struggling with their ground game and their defense playing very poor of late getting punched in the mouth and surrendering 38 points to the Steelers back in week 4. With harsh criticism coming from their own front office after being called out by their GM, the Chargers will be looking to re-establish themselves as AfC contended. A win tonight will not put them back in first place, but it will give them much needed momentum and a huge step in the direction of recapturing (the AFC West Division) what they feel is rightfully theirs.
On the other side, things could not be any better for the Denver Broncos winners of their first five games this season. Following their stormy and humble beginnings, first year head coach Josh McDaniels has brought this team a long way. After his questionable moves in the offseason it appears McDaniels has had the answers all along. Part of the answer to those intriguing offseason equations, was the hiring of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. With a lot of the pieces starting to come together and the Broncos playing well, there is still much to prove and for many of the Denver players last season's finale loss to San Diego 52-21 weighs on the mind.
With one team flying a mile high and the other trying to stay afloat this tale seems to be of two teams heading into opposite directions. Tonight they meet and we'll see if the Broncos are the real deal and in control of the West or if the Chargers can get this thing (their season) turned it around. Either way one team will find "Redemption" at the conclusion of tonight's affair.
Broncos:
Kyle Orton is starting to blossom into another Cassel, but with as many weapons as there are in Denver, his numbers could become more Brady-like. This season Orton has passed for 1,236 yards and seven touchdowns in 2009. For the Broncos the passing game will be key and wide receivers Brandon Marshall (24 receptions) and Eddie Royal (18) will play a big part. The Bronco's will have an added bonus tonight with the return of running back Correll Buckhalter (267 yards rushing). Rookie running back Knowshon Moreno (337 yards rushing) anchors the ground game.
Chargers:
For San Diego the offense starts with quarterback Philip Rivers. Since the recent decline of running back LaDanian Tomlinson (recent injuries have limited his play) over the past couple of seasons, Rivers has really blossomed into the teams most consistent playmaker. Without missing a beat, the Chargers quarterback continues to make plays with his arm passing for 1,245 yards in four games and throwing six touchdowns. He most reliable targets have been his tight end Antonio Gates (24 receptions) and wide receiver Vincent Jackson (20 receptions). With LT being limited this season, the Bolts have had to look to scat back Darren Sproles (90 yards rushing).
Prediction:
The Bolts can be an explosive offense, but facing a much improved Bronco's defense they may need more than a passing game to compete in this one.
Broncos 33, Chargers 20.
Remember to check back each week for "Monday Night Matchup"
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