The Chargers currently trail the Denver Broncos at the halfway mark, 17-10.

Here are some key takeaways from the first half of the Week 13 matchup.

• After a week to restore, quarterback Philip Rivers hasn’t been able to overcome his ongoing struggles. Rivers is feeling phantom pressure, is not diagnosing the coverage, is throwing passes away from his receivers and is not even bothering taking shots deep.
• On the final drive, Rivers found some life but he got a little bit of help from a broken coverage on wide receiver Mike Williams’ 50-yard reception. On his touchdown pass, running backs Austin Ekeler and Melvin Gordon ran wheel routes to the left, overloading Denver’s defense, which left Ekeler wide open.
• Because of Rivers’ woes for the majority of the half, the offense resorted to the ground game. Gordon and Ekeler have combined for rushed for 47 yards on 15 carries.
• The return of safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips has been evident. James has provided extra pressure off the edge and is making plays against the run. Phillips has been a key contributor on third-down.
• The difference between cornerbacks Brandon Facyson and Michael Davis is their abilities in run support. Facyson is leading the team with eight tackles.
• Linebacker Kyzir White, who’s been an unknown this season, is making his case to earn more snaps. White has a pass defended and was close to picking off a pass.
• After issues with cornerback Desmond King muffing punts, the team rolled with running back Troymaine Pope to return. But Pope replicated King’s issues in the second quarter with a fumbled punt return.
• Wide receiver Courtland Sutton has gotten the best of cornerback Casey Hayward today. Sutton has four receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns.

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