Bo Nix is not the same quarterback chargers prepared for week 6. Jesse Minter knows he is partly to blame.
“We kind of triggered his run on what we let him do to us in the fourth quarter of that game,” the Chargers defensive coordinator said sheepishly this week.
After Nix threw two touchdowns to help score 16 points in the fourth quarter against the Chargers in Week 6, Minter must now face the monster he helped unleash. The rookie quarterback leads the Broncos (9-5) into a critical division rematch Thursday as the Chargers (8-6) try to reverse a late-season swoon.
The Broncos started 3-3, including a 23-16 loss to the Chargers in Denver on October 13but have won six of their last eight games with a four-game winning streak heading into Thursday’s prime-time matchup at SoFi Stadium.
Nix has completed 64.3 percent of his passes over the last eight games, averaging 236.3 yards per game while throwing 15 touchdown passes. He entered the Week 6 game at Denver completing 61.8% of passes and averaging 173.2 yards per game. He threw three touchdowns in his first five games, compared to four intercepted passes.
Learn more: Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers feel better after their first win in Denver since 2018
A quiet candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Nix leads all rookies with 20 touchdown passes and has three games with at least three touchdown passes, including last week’s win over the Colts. Indianapolis. As he did against the Chargers in October, Nix struggled early with an interception on the first drive. He had three turnovers to throw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.
“At the end of the day, he made winning plays for his team,” Minter said. “That’s really kind of what you see from him, he’s like a really good competitor, really savvy, moxie, scrambler, playmaker type mentality.”
Trailing 23-0 early in the fourth quarter against the Chargers, Nix then broke loose for 28 yards on three carries. He completed 15 of 19 passes in the quarter for 189 yards and two touchdowns.
The Chargers still won comfortably, thanks to a first three quarters that safety Derwin James Jr. called the team’s best football of the year. But the defensive captain’s lasting impression of the victory remains a disappointing ending.
“It’s a different team than the one we played the first time,” James said. “A lot more confidence. They’re a playoff-caliber team right now, and I can’t wait for us to show what we’re made of on Thursday.
The Chargers are trying to reestablish themselves on defense after giving up 40 points and 506 yards to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Minter said he felt a “different vibe” within the defense during the blowout. When he filmed the game Monday, he didn’t just point out missed tackles or broken plays.
Learn more: Chargers-Broncos game could decide playoff opponents, a scary prospect
He highlighted the unit’s lack of energy. That was evident from the very first play, lamented outside linebacker Khalil Mack.
“I felt like everything was just kind of routine,” Mack said. “But when you love the game, you have to play with enthusiasm, energy and juice.”
Finding the energy shouldn’t be a problem for a game with direct playoff implications for both teams. The Broncos can clinch a playoff spot with a win or tie on Thursday. The Chargers are playing to sweep their AFC West rival for the first time since 2010.
“I expect a playoff atmosphere,” Mack said. “At least on our end, it’s just a matter of understanding where we want to go and what we want to accomplish as a team. There is a lot to play for in this match.
Etc.
Quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) said Tuesday he expects to play against the Broncos. He was limited in training both days this week while nursing a sprained left ankle. … Starters Elijah Molden (knee), Zion Johnson (ankle) and Otito Ogbonnia (pelvis) missed both days of practice this week, but cornerback Kristian Fulton participated fully in practice Tuesday after was limited during Monday’s visit. … Cornerback Cam Hart is in concussion protocol for the second time in a month after hitting his head hard on the turf after breaking up a pass Sunday. … The Chargers opened the 21-day practice window for tight end Hayden Hurst to return from injured reserve on Tuesday. He was placed on IR due to a hip injury four weeks ago.
This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
