Demaryius Thomas (groin) active as Broncos face Chargers

Down 24-7 heading into the fourth quarter, the Chargers used back-to-back turnovers to work their way back into the game. “But a win is a win”. And their first challenge is a significant one, beating the Broncos in Denver. Well, that’s exactly what we got to kick off the 2017 season at Mile High Stadium, with the Denver Broncos winning 24-21.

Philip Rivers caught fire in the fourth quarter and guided the Chargers into range for a game-tying field goal. Antonio Gates needs just one touchdown to break a tie with Tony Gonzalez for the most all time by a tight end (112). I know it’s happening, and I know it’s a big deal, but it’s not like I’m sitting here every day saying, ‘I need one. Even a seven-year-old could tell you that much.

Koo was also at a loss to explain what happened.

“For me, it took me out of the emotions”, he said. I got to see the field in a nice, calmer environment. It felt good off the foot. It just seems like on film a new Chargers team. The Broncos can’t, and won’t, count on field goal kickers missing chip shots the rest of the season.

But then it came time for him to rush in for his career touchdown using his legs.

Siemian finished 17-of-28 passing with 219 yards, two touchdowns and one interception but was sacked four times, including twice in consecutive plays before McManus’ missed FG. The Broncos will want to win with defense and they ranked just 27th in passing yards previous year, so it’ll be tough to count on Siemian for fantasy even in favorable matchups. After a slightly overthrown pass to Emmanuel Sanders, Siemian connected with Bennie Fowler for the first touchdown of the season giving the Broncos a 7-0 lead.

But Koo’s miss loomed larger in the final seconds. All of season Chargers third year running back Melvin Gordon has talked about how hungry he is and that the end of last season left a bad taste in his mouth. Safety Justin Simmons hit Gordon at the 2, but he just somersaulted across the goal line. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. are, for my money, the best set of starting cornerbacks in the NFL.

Roby atoned for his crucial penalty with an interception in the third quarter on a pass intended for Allen. This should better complement C.J. Anderson’s aggressive running style, as well as simplify matters for a revamped Denver offensive line.

Two seasons ago the Broncos defense would have been too strong for the Chargers but – with notable exceptions – they’re not quite the unit they were when they made that Super Bowl run. Both teams’ head coaches were making their debuts, and the Chargers, formerly of San Diego, were playing their first regular-season game since relocating to Los Angeles in the offseason. History was also made in the booth, as Beth Mowins became the first woman in 30 years to call a regular-season National Football League game.

“I’ve been on the same page with Trev now for three years”.

So thin were the Broncos along the defensive line that they had to call Tyrique Jarrett, an undrafted rookie, up from the practice squad to add precious depth.

INJURY UPDATES: Chargers backup SS Rayshawn Jenkins left in the second half with a concussion.

Gotsis and Broncos’ veterans Brandon Marshall and Darian Stewart topped the tackle count with five each.