{"id":739071,"date":"2017-09-11T22:33:19","date_gmt":"2017-09-12T02:33:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thesportsdaily.com\/?p=739071"},"modified":"2017-09-11T22:33:19","modified_gmt":"2017-09-12T02:33:19","slug":"chargers-vs-broncos-keys-to-l-a-winning-week-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesportsdaily.com\/news\/chargers-vs-broncos-keys-to-l-a-winning-week-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Chargers Vs. Broncos: Keys to L.A. Winning Week One"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Los Angeles Chargers open the season on Monday Night Football against their AFC West rival Denver Broncos. It will be a late game, but that doesn\u2019t make this game any less important for the Chargers to come out with a huge win. The first game of the season always sets the tone, but especially with a divisional foe standing in their way.<\/p>\n
The Bolts have lost three out if their four season openers. It\u2019s been five seasons since the Chargers have even won a game in Denver. But this is a season of promise, potential and optimism. With a new city, new coach, new acquisitions why can\u2019t the Chargers surprise the NFL world?<\/p>\n
But how do the Chargers go into a hostile Sports Authority Field, on national television and pull off a huge win? They have to control and execute three key factors.<\/p>\n
Melvin Gordon<\/a> ran for a total of 205 yards in two games against the Broncos last season. Including a 111 yard performance in Denver.<\/p>\n The Broncos have a solid defense but there weakness maybe the defensive line. With above average players like Derek Wolf and free agent acquisition Domata Peko<\/a> and Zach Zerr making their debut for the Broncos. The Chargers upgraded their offensive line through the draft and free agency. This unit should definitely open up holes for Gordon and company. This will allow the Bolts to assert themselves and pound the ball for four quarters. The Chargers only have three running back on the depth chart, so look for Gordon to be that bell cow they need him to be.<\/p>\n To beat the Broncos the Chargers can\u2019t fall in love with the passing game. Be balanced and hand the ball to Gordon and control the clock. The longer the Broncos defense in on the field the better.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t just a key factor for this game but the whole season. Both teams have issues with their offensive at time. So this game will definitely feature elite pass-rushers on both sides. But Chargers must keep Von Miller<\/a> and the rest of their pass rushers away from Philip Rivers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Von Miller can disrupt an entire offense by his lonesome. Just ask Cam Newton<\/a> and the rest of the quarterbacks in the NFL. This is where newly signed free agent Russell Okung<\/a> shows his value. He played in Denver last season and we will matchup with Miller for most of the game. Hopefully his familiarity with the Broncos schemes could benefit not just him but the whole offensive line as a whole.<\/p>\n In the end the Chargers must keep Rivers upright and keep his jersey as clean as possible. If the Broncos get pressure consistently and rack up sacks, they have a great chance of winning this game. This defense is too talented and will definitely capitalize on any mistake the Charges make upfront.<\/p>\n When you give Philip Rivers time to survey the field, he can pick any defense apart. This new offensive line needs to give Rivers the time he needs to be successful. With all the weapons they have on offense, protection must be the main if not the number one priority for the Bolts.<\/p>\n In order for a road team to win in a hostile environment they must take the crowd out the early and often. How do you that? You stay aggressive from start to finish. Usually the teams that hits the other team in the mouth first always wins, especially if you are the road team. The Chargers must have this mindset.<\/p>\n\nKeep Rivers\u2019 Jersey Clean<\/h2>\n
\nPlay With Passion and Stay Aggressive<\/h2>\n