Sean Payton’s return to calling the offensive plays for the Broncos has not resulted in a major change in fortune for the unit, but they did enough to take a lead into halftime for the first time this season.
Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga stripped Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar of the ball on the first Chargers possession of the afternoon and running back J.K. Dobbins ran for a touchdown a few plays later to stake the Broncos to an early 7-0 lead. The two teams traded field goals from there and it is 10-3 Broncos at the break.
Dobbins had 10 carries for 24 yards and Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is 10-of-16 for 82 yards, but the Broncos are just 1-of-7 on third downs so far on Sunday. That’s kept them from catching fire, but their defense has done the same to the Chargers.
Los Angeles has 74 offensive yards and they’ve gone 1-of-6 on their third down opportunities. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has resisted making the kind of move that Payton made this week with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, but there’s no sign that things are getting any better for the Chargers.