Philip Rivers entered Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos averaging 319.2 yards per game in the air. That number will take a dip after the Denver defense held Rivers to just 179 yards on the day (202 minus 23 yards in sacks), his second-lowest total of the year.
Denver’s No. 1 passing defense has made a habit of shutting down high-flying offenses, but on Sunday they had to do so without two stalwarts in the middle of the field. Both T.J. Ward and Sylvester Williams missed Sunday’s game with ankle injuries, leaving their jobs to be filled by David Bruton and Vance Walker.
Bruton had a huge day before leaving the game with a leg injury, amassing 12 tackles (nine solo). Walker struggled to an extent, but had plenty of help from Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson who both had big days.
Despite missing their run-stuffing tackle and hard-hitting safety, the Broncos still managed to have its best performance of the year in terms of scoring. Denver surrendered just three points on the day, a 51-yard effort in the second quarter. In allowing just 272 yards, it was the fifth time this season Denver has held an opponent under 300 yards of total offense.
Denver got contributions from other backups/rotational guys like Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray who each had a sack. Barrett also had two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits. Linebacker DeMarcus Ware missed Sunday’s game, his fourth in a row, but went through exercises pregame. He is expected to return next week against Oakland.
Von Miller had an absolutely monster day and added to several personal accomplishments that prove he’s in an elite class of players not just this season, but since he entered the league. Miller had two sacks, two tackles for loss and four quarterback hits on the day, not to mention some choice words for Rivers.
It was a total effort, with as many turnovers as points allowed, by the defense
Here’s what the MHS team and the greater-Denver media had to say about the defense and its impressive effort against San Diego.
There were questions early for the d-line minus Sylvester Williams…
Can't help but think the Broncos are missing Sly Williams today. Too much room, too many wide open lanes in the middle of the line.
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) December 6, 2015
But the safety play minus T.J. Ward was solid all day…
@darianstewart26 doesn't play. Big hit on a big man, Gates. That's all his teammates raved about this week. #DENvsSD
— Sam Cowhick (@SamCowhick) December 6, 2015
Darian Stewart is easily the Broncos best free agent acquisition coming into this season. His football IQ is immeasurable.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) December 6, 2015
CBS replay showing @D_Brut30 doing an excellent job jamming and covering Antonio Gates. Played big part in the INT.
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) December 6, 2015
David Bruton, starting in place of T.J. Ward (ankle), leads the Broncos with 8 tackles (7 solo).
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 6, 2015
Big fan of TJ Ward's. Leadership. Intimidating. Good vs. run. But much prefer Bruton vs. pass. Better in coverage. And better quickness.
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) December 6, 2015
Josh Bush involved on tackle that leads to recovery for #Broncos. He signed last week to provide depth w TJ Ward out
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) December 6, 2015
It was the No Fly Zone vs. Philip Rivers…
Seems to be a hint of desperation in Rivers throws the last 2 series. Throwing a lot into traffic, trying to make things happen. #broncos
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) December 6, 2015
How bad did it get for Rivers?
Left handed throw for intentional grounding. New low for Rivers and #Chargers offense? #DENvsSD
— Sam Cowhick (@SamCowhick) December 6, 2015
Even without some key players, the defense was getting it done…
Amazing what the D's been doing this yr. They get production from everybody. Today, so far, Trevathan and Stewart gettin' it done.
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) December 6, 2015
Boos for the Chargers after an I-give-up call on third-and-19.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 6, 2015
The #Broncos D is missing 3 starters, and still dominating
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) December 6, 2015
Broncos have 3 takeaways today, marking their 5th such game this year. Denver now has 6 takeaways in its last 3 games after 3-game drought.
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) December 6, 2015
But it was Von Miller who dominated the day…
Broncos LB @Millerlite40 increases his career sack total to 57, marking the 8th most in NFL history thru a player's first five seasons.
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) December 6, 2015
Broncos LB @Millerlite40 now has three opponent fumble recoveries this season. No player in the NFL has more this year.
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) December 6, 2015
With 2 sacks today, Broncos LB @Millerlite40 has 14 multi-sack games since his rookie year in 2011 for the 5th most in NFL.
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) December 6, 2015
