2013 Broncos Season, Week 10

The Broncos returned to action off the bye and posted their lowest total score of the season. But they picked up another win.

Week 10: Broncos 28, Chargers 20
Season Record: 8-1 (5-0 Home)
Key Play: In the fourth quarter, trailing by eight, Chargers' quarterback Phillip Rivers muffed a snap and was dropped for a four-yard loss. On the next play, Broncos' linebacker Von Miller made a crucial sack, forcing a third and long. After failing on that play, the Chargers were forced to punt and the Broncos picked up a couple first downs to run out the clock and secure the victory.

Recap: Some victories are more costly than others. That might be the case with Sundays game. The Broncos looked good in the first half and, after building a 22-point lead following the opening drive of the second half, looked to be cruising. But the offensive line struggled to protect Peyton Manning, the offense stalled, the Chargers made plays, and this game got a lot closer. Then, Manning was forced to pass to salt away the game late in the fourth quarter and ended up taking a brutal hit on his lower legs. First off, that should have been a penalty. There were a lot of missed calls Sunday, but that was perhaps the worst. In an era where we're protecting quarterbacks a lot, that was an inexcusable miss. Second, while Denver already won Sunday, with two games against Kansas City sandwiched around a meeting with the New England Patriots the next three weeks we need a healthy Peyton Manning. We don't have that now. Worse yet, this was another game where Manning took a lot of hits. That is not an optimistic sign for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The Broncos still haven't developed a consistent running game, either, which puts Manning in the cross hairs quite a bit. You're always excited to get a win, but at what cost. Denver has a brutal three game stretch coming up, so health and protection is a legitimate concern.

Game Balls:
* Demaryius Thomas. When you catch seven passes for 108 yards, that's great. Adding three touchdowns and serving as the most explosive part of the offense is even better. Demaryius Thomas is the Broncos best receiver, hands down, and he showed that Sunday.

* Julius Thomas. The young tight end continues to show how valuable he is in his first real season as a starter and full-time player. Thomas, who came out with an ankle injury in the team's last game, showed he is back with a 74-yard touchdown reception on the third offensive play of the game. Thomas finished with 96 yards and a touchdown, and continues to be a big target for the Broncos.

* Wesley Woodyard. When Woodyard was out in the second half against the Jaguars and against the Colts, the Broncos defense really struggled. He is more than just a good linebacker, he is the heart of the defense. He is very important moving forward.

Lingering Concerns:
* Blocking for Manning. The Broncos have had a lot of injuries along the offensive line. Chris Clark might be the best reserve tackle in professional football, as Jack Del Rio claims, but he's not Ryan Clady. Manning is taking too many hits and getting too beaten up. This has to change, especially with two games against the Chiefs the next three weeks.

* Sloppy Play. The Broncos continue to struggle. We miss assignments on defense, make silly penalties, muff punts, and generally do things that good teams shouldn't do. This, too, needs to change.

* Running Game. I like Knowshon Moreno, and I think he's a good back. Still, the Broncos don't seem to be working hard to establish a running game. This is curious. We need a running game to take pressure of Manning, allow for balance, and to be able to chew time off the clock in key situations.