Bouncing back won’t be easy task for Chargers’ Philip Rivers vs. Broncos

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers will look to turn things around in Week 13 against the Broncos.

Quarterback Philip Rivers knows that his turnovers have hurt the Chargers in critical situations this season.

Fresh off a bye week, Rivers is eager to turn things around in the final stretch of the season in what could be the last time he suits up in the blue and gold. But it won’t be an easy task for the 16-year veteran this weekend in Denver, CO.

The Broncos may be 3-8, but they’re still talented in certain areas, and one of them is their pass defense. Denver’s 207.5 passing yards allowed per game ranks fifth-best in the NFL.

In the first meeting between the two teams this season, the Broncos got the best of Rivers, limiting him to 211 passing yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

The difference between this week’s matchup and the one that occurred in Week 5 is that Rivers’ security blanket — offensive tackle Russell Okung could be playing. Okung’s responsibility will be to eliminate linebacker Von Miller, who has six sacks and nine tackles for loss.

Having Okung protect Rivers’ blindside is a difference-maker because it’s evident that even when he had a clean pocket with Trey Pipkins and Trent Scott as the starters, he still acted like he felt pressure and was just dealing the football wherever, looking rushed and uncomfortable.

But even then if Rivers has time to hit his targets, he has to protect the football because Denver’s defensive backs will not make it easy on him and history shows. Rivers has just three touchdowns and six interceptions in last three games against the Broncos.

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First injury report for Chargers ahead of matchup vs. Broncos

The Los Angeles Chargers released their first injury report ahead of the Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

Fresh off their bye, the Los Angeles Chargers started practicing to get ready for their Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

Here is a look at the first injury report of the week:

Every single player on the roster practiced in some sort of fashion Wednesday. There were four players that were limited participants — linebacker Thomas Davis (knee), wide receiver Mike Williams (knee) and offensive tackles Russell Okung (groin) and Sam Tevi (knee).

It’s promising to see Okung and Tevi back out on the field. Tevi, who had a minor procedure on his knee, has been out since Week 9. Meanwhile, Okung has missed the last two games. Trey Pipkins and Trent Scott have started in place of the two.

Williams dealt with a knee issue earlier this season. It’s likely that he will be good to go for Sunday’s contest, but it’s something worth monitoring throughout the course of the week.

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Chargers QB Philip Rivers talks about criticism of recent play

Philip Rivers addressed the media for the first time since his four-interception performance against the Chiefs.

No other player in the Chargers locker room has received more attention than quarterback Philip Rivers.

After throwing 14 interceptions in 11 games, seven in the past two, the narrative has been that there’s clear signs of regression from the 16-year veteran.

On Wednesday, Rivers addressed the media for the first time since his four-interception performance against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. He spoke on the criticism that has been going on in regards to him and a possible decline.

“I don’t necessarily try to seek it out. But I’m also not naive to it or don’t ignore it completely. I understand it. I know it comes with it. It’s not one of those things that I’m looking for extra motivation, or ‘I’ll show them’ or ‘I can’t believe they think that.’ I get it. You know, if I was in that locker room, I’d be upset with me too. Some of those things, it just comes with it, it comes with the position. And I understand that,” Rivers said.

Rivers acknowledged that while there are few things that can be blamed for the Chargers being 4-7, he knows that his woes are one of the reasons. However, he believ Philies that he can bounce back and has not discounted himself, despite his poor play.

“And again, I’m disappointed that I haven’t made some the plays I need to. I’ve also made some play that helped us be in these games, too. So, it goes both ways. And I’m not trying to sell that I’ll play well. I have not played well. And the turnovers are unacceptable. But also, there’s no lost confidence, no loss belief in myself, can I do this and all that. I don’t even entertain it.”

Rivers and company will travel to Denver, CO this weekend to take on the Broncos in what can be seen as a revenge game after suffering defeat to them earlier this season.

“I’m excited to go to Denver for the 17th time. Like I said, I don’t take for granted any of these. When you go on a road in a division at this point in your career, you never know when it’s going to be the last time you go.”

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Chargers LB Thomas Davis blaming defense for losses

Linebacker Thomas Davis isn’t around to throw anyone under the bus.

Sitting with an unexpected 4-7 record, there’s a lot you can list for the reasons why the Chargers are currently in the position that they’re in heading into the 13th week of the season.

Injuries, a coaching change, bad quarterback play are atop of the list. But one thing that hasn’t been in discussion that linebacker Thomas Davis feels like deserves the blame for the team’s losses is the defense.

“Our record says we haven’t played well enough. That’s the ultimate thing that determines how we’ve played as a defense. The offense has put up enough points for us to be more successful,” Davis said, per Los Angeles Times’ Jeff Miller.

“We just haven’t figured it out for four quarters. We’ve played extremely well at times, and other times we’ve been inconsistent. If we do a better job in certain situations, our record could be much, much better.”

In the 17 years that Davis has been playing in the NFL, he has established himself as a leader, which is something Los Angeles coveted him for when making the decision to bring him onboard.

With the leadership skills that he possesses, Davis isn’t going to go around throwing anyone under the bus. The only person he’s going to blame is himself and the side of the football he plays on.

In reality, the defense hasn’t been the issue for their seven losses. The Chargers defense ranks No. 5 in points allowed, fourth in passing yards given up and tied for fifth in big plays allowed this season.

Meanwhile, on the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Philip Rivers has tossed 14 interceptions through 11 games and has been unable to get his team points on game-winning or tying drives.

Coach Anthony Lynn says it’s not just Rivers’ fault that the team is 4-7. Lynn said he evaluated everyone during the bye week, and said it’s on everyone.

Los Angeles will look to get finish the season on a strong note starting against the Broncos this Sunday. The team is fresh off a bye and will get some reinforcements with safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips back, as well as potentially offensive tackles Russell Okung and Sam Tevi.

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4 key things to know about Chargers vs. Broncos

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lists the four most important things to know about the Chargers’ opponent in Week 13.

Fresh off their bye week, the Los Angeles Chargers (4-7) will look to get back on track after losing their past two consecutive games in a matchup against the Denver Broncos (3-8).

Here are four key things to know prior to the Week 13 bout.

Decision on quarterback is up in the air

The last time the Chargers played the Broncos, veteran Joe Flacco was behind center. That won’t be the case this weekend as Flacco is currently nursing an injury, which has put him out for the past few weeks.

In place of Flacco has been Brandon Allen, who is 1-2 since taking over as Denver’s starter. But rookie Drew Lock, who has returned from the injured reserve, could make his professional regular season debut.

Lock has practiced the past three weeks, but the Broncos have continued to roll with Allen to ensure that the first-year player’s thumb is feeling 100%.

“We’re going to up Drew’s reps this week extensively in practice, see how he does with this, and then make a decision prior to the game. The earliest (the decision) would be made would be later in the week, right up until the game,” coach Vic Fangio said.

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