The Los Angeles Chargers take on the Denver Broncos this Monday at 5:15 p.m. PT.
Here are a few Broncos players who the Bolts must hone in on to increase their chances of coming out victorious in Week 6.
EDGE Bradley Chubb & Baron Browning
The Broncos have the NFL’s top passing defense, and a big reason is their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks at a high rate. After undergoing ankle surgery that kept him out for two months last season, Chubb is back like he didn’t lose a step. He leads the group with 5.5 sacks, which is the second-most in the league. In addition to that, he has 19 pressures. Randy Gregory, who was signed to play opposite Chubb, will not play this weekend after having arthroscopic knee surgery. Had he played, Gregory would’ve been quite the load, as evident from his 19 pressures and 11 hurries. Nevertheless, Denver has rookie Baron Browning playing in his place. And Browning has done a fine job filling his shoes, as he has 14 pressures and two sacks.
CB Patrick Surtain II
Surtain is quickly working his way into the top-5 cornerback category. The second-year player has the highest coverage grade among corners (88.1), per Pro Football Focus. Lining up across from opposing team’s No. 1 wide receivers, Surtain uses his size, length, speed and explosiveness to give them fits. He has allowed just 19 catches on 31 targets for 143 yards (7.5 yards per reception) while breaking up four passes.
WR Courtland Sutton & Jerry Jeudy
With how underwhelming Russell Wilson has been, you would think that there isn’t a pass-catcher that’s been productive this season, but Sutton’s play says otherwise. Sutton is tied for sixth-most receiving yards in the NFL with 417. An explosive player, Sutton has six of his 29 receptions that have gone for over 20 yards. The Broncos’ slot wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is also not to be taken lightly. While he’s dealt with drops, Jeudy has the speed to take the top off the defense or make something small turn into a big gain. He is averaging 16.9 yards per reception.