WR Eddie Royal became the first Broncos player to return a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown in the same game in the team’s 34-23 victory.
The Broncos continued their habit of dominant second halves by outscoring the Chargers 17-3 after intermission.
Said Broncos DT Ronald Fields, “The coaches see what we don’t do right in the first half and we fix it in the second half. If that continues, we are going to be very hard to beat.”
Broncos QB Kyle Orton was 20 of 29 for 229 yards and two touchdowns, including a five-yarder to Brandon Stokely with just under three minutes to play.
The Broncos defense had five sacks and forced four fumbles over the course of the victory.
Said Chargers TE Antonio Gates, “It’s tough to always be in this situation. We didn’t plan on being here. We didn’t plan on being 8-8 last year either. But here we are. We have to keep working, or it could snowball and turn into a losing streak.”
Chargers RB Darren Sproles returned a punt for a touchdown, making Monday night’s game the first in NFL history to feature touchdowns on two punt returns and a kickoff return.
Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson had his best game of the season, but sounded frustrated that he wasn’t on the field for a third-and-goal run in the first quarter.
The Chargers managed only one sack on Monday night, a stark contrast to the way the Broncos pressured QB Philip Rivers all night.
Chargers P Mike Scifres didn’t have a good night, but sidestepped suggestions that he’s being affected by a groin injury.