Postgame Notes: Week 5 at Denver Broncos – Key Takeaways from the Field
The Week 5 clash between the Denver Broncos and their opponent delivered plenty of drama, excitement, and a few unexpected twists. As the final whistle blew, both teams walked off the field with a host of lessons learned and questions for the future. In this postgame breakdown, we’ll dive into the standout performances, critical moments, and stats that shaped the outcome of this hard-fought battle.
Offensive Standouts: Quarterbacks Take Center Stage
The quarterback battle in this game was one of the central narratives heading into Week 5, and both signal-callers showed why the spotlight was on them. For the Denver Broncos, their starting quarterback Russell Wilson came into the game with a lot to prove after a shaky start to the 2024 season. The veteran quarterback delivered a performance that kept Denver in the contest throughout the game, completing 28 of 40 passes for 285 yards and 2 touchdowns. Wilson also demonstrated his ability to extend plays with his legs, adding 36 rushing yards on four scrambles, showing the kind of mobility that has long been a part of his game.
Despite his solid numbers, Wilson had to deal with relentless pressure from the opposing defense, getting sacked four times. These critical sacks resulted in key third-down failures, limiting Denver’s ability to sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
On the other side of the field, the opposing quarterback capitalized on Denver’s defensive lapses. Quarterback Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers showcased precision and confidence, completing 25 of 33 passes for 305 yards and 3 touchdowns. Herbert was able to spread the ball around effectively, connecting with eight different receivers, which kept the Broncos’ secondary on their heels. His accuracy in the red zone, where he threw all three of his touchdowns, was a key factor in his team’s victory.
Defensive Struggles for Denver
One of the major storylines coming out of this game was the Broncos’ defensive performance—or lack thereof. Heading into Week 5, Denver’s defense was ranked in the bottom half of the league in yards allowed per game, and they struggled once again to contain the opposition’s high-powered offense.
The most glaring issue for Denver’s defense was their inability to generate consistent pressure on Justin Herbert. Although they managed to sack him twice, the Broncos’ defensive line was often overpowered by the Chargers’ offensive front, which gave Herbert ample time to survey the field and make big throws. This lack of pressure exposed Denver’s secondary, which had a hard time keeping up with the speed and agility of the Chargers’ receiving corps.
Cornerback Pat Surtain II had his hands full against star wide receiver Keenan Allen, who hauled in 9 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown. While Surtain had some key pass breakups, the mismatch proved costly as Allen was able to create separation on crucial third downs and consistently moved the chains for the Chargers.
Third-Down Efficiency: A Tale of Two Teams
Third-down conversions often serve as a key barometer of success in any NFL game, and this Week 5 matchup was no different. The stark contrast in third-down efficiency between the two teams was one of the defining elements of this contest.
The Chargers converted 8 of 12 third downs, an impressive 67% success rate. This allowed them to sustain long drives, control the tempo, and keep the Broncos’ defense on the field for extended periods. Herbert’s ability to stay calm in the pocket and find open receivers, particularly on third-and-long situations, was a major factor in these conversions. Wide receivers Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer were both instrumental in securing key third-down receptions that extended drives and kept the momentum firmly in the Chargers’ favor.
In contrast, the Broncos struggled mightily on third down, converting just 4 of 13 opportunities (31%). This inefficiency prevented them from gaining offensive rhythm and forced them into multiple punting situations. Many of these failures came as a result of poor pass protection, with Wilson being hurried or sacked on several key third-down plays. Denver’s inability to convert on third downs was a crucial factor in the team’s offensive struggles throughout the game.
Running Game: A Mixed Bag
The running game was a point of emphasis for both teams coming into this contest, and the results on the ground were a mixed bag for both Denver and the Chargers.
For the Broncos, running back Javonte Williams had a productive day, rushing for 85 yards on 16 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. His powerful, physical running style allowed Denver to move the ball between the tackles and control the clock in the first half. However, as the game progressed and Denver found themselves trailing, they were forced to abandon the run game, limiting Williams’ opportunities to impact the game in the second half.
On the other side, the Chargers deployed a running-back-by-committee approach, with Joshua Kelley leading the way. Kelley rushed for 72 yards on 18 carries, while backup Isaiah Spiller added 48 yards on 10 carries. Together, the duo helped the Chargers balance their offensive attack and provided a steady ground game that complemented Herbert’s aerial assault. Though Kelley didn’t break any big runs, his consistency in short-yardage situations helped keep the chains moving and contributed to the Chargers’ ability to maintain possession.
Special Teams: Game-Changing Plays
Special teams often play a critical role in close NFL games, and this contest was no different. Both teams experienced game-changing moments—both positive and negative—on special teams.
For Denver, kicker Brandon McManus was one of the bright spots in an otherwise tough game. McManus connected on all three of his field goal attempts, including a 53-yarder that kept the Broncos within striking distance late in the third quarter. His ability to convert long field goals gave Denver’s offense a much-needed boost when they were unable to find the end zone.
However, Denver’s special teams unit also made a costly error early in the fourth quarter. A muffed punt return by rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims gave the Chargers the ball deep in Broncos territory. Just a few plays later, the Chargers scored a touchdown to extend their lead, effectively sealing the game.
For the Chargers, punter JK Scott played a crucial role in the field position battle. Scott’s high, booming punts pinned the Broncos deep in their own territory multiple times throughout the game, forcing Russell Wilson and the Broncos’ offense to drive the length of the field. His ability to flip the field and limit Denver’s starting field position was a key factor in the Chargers’ defensive success.
Penalties and Turnovers: A Sloppy Game
Both teams struggled with discipline in this game, as penalties and turnovers played a major role in shaping the final outcome. The Broncos were flagged 10 times for 98 yards, with several of these penalties coming at crucial moments in the second half. False starts, holding calls, and defensive pass interference penalties stymied Denver’s momentum and contributed to their third-down struggles.
The Chargers, while more disciplined overall, were not immune to mistakes. A critical fumble by Kelley in the red zone late in the second quarter cost the Chargers a scoring opportunity and allowed Denver to remain within striking distance going into halftime. However, the Chargers were able to recover from this miscue, thanks in large part to their efficient passing attack and superior special teams play.
Injury Concerns Moving Forward
Both teams left this Week 5 contest with injury concerns that could affect their lineups moving forward. Denver’s offensive line took a hit when starting left guard Ben Powers exited the game in the second quarter with a knee injury. His absence was felt immediately, as the Broncos struggled to protect Wilson in his absence. Powers is scheduled for an MRI, and his availability for Week 6 is uncertain.
