Winners and losers of the Denver Broncos' 23:16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers

The Denver Broncos fell to 3-3 on the year after falling to the Los Angeles Chargers 23-16. The game wasn't as close as the final score would suggest as the Broncos were locked down for most of this game. While they had a strong fourth quarter, the Chargers probably took their foot off the pedal a little and actually put up some numbers in garbage time.

Ultimately, there weren't many winners in this game and a long list of losers in this game. It was a disappointing game that ended their three-game winning streak and resulted in another home loss to a division rival.

Loser – Bo Nix

I'll give all credit where it's due, he finished the game with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but that doesn't change how bad he was early in the game. The Broncos' offense was non-existent and Nix did very little in the first three quarters of the game.

Again, what he accomplished in probably bad time makes the stats look good, but this was a tough game for the Broncos rookie. He's had several games now where his stats were terrible at halftime. Sean Payton and Bo Nix need to start games quicker or it will be a long rest of the season.

Loser – Broncos

I'm lumping the entire team together here, starting with the coaches at the top right through to the players. They looked unprepared and sloppy and ended up losing a winnable home game.

They're in a good spot: They have the Raiders and Chargers at home, a tough road game Thursday night in New Orleans, and then another home game against the Panthers. They needed to go 4-0 or 3-1 during this stretch if they wanted to have a serious chance in the postseason. They can still win 3-1 but need to win the next two games. After this four-game stretch, the Ravens and Chiefs play on the road. If they start this stretch at 3-5 or 4-4, their postseason hopes will likely hang in the balance.

This was a disappointing game after a promising three-game winning streak in which they played better on offense and appeared to have one of the better defenses in the league. This defeat and the way they lost dampens the good mood before this game.

Loser – Broncos third defense

The Chargers were 11-18 in third place in that game. Unable to get them off the field, the Broncos defense extended the offense and gave the Chargers a possession advantage in this game.

The Broncos' defense was a strength, but in this game they didn't live up to their hype. The pass rush was non-existent at times, they routinely gave up chunk plays and the Chargers rushed for 130 yards on the ground. The Chargers' inability to get off the field in this game was one of the main reasons they lost this game.

Loser – Javonte Williams

After a solid game in a row, Williams again struggled on the ground and had a costly turnover. He finished the game with just 6 carries for 23 yards and 1 fumble. The play's script worked against him, but the fumble couldn't happen, setting the Broncos back after it appeared they were going to get into scoring position.

With rookie running back Audric Estime back and healthy, Williams can't afford such more costly turnovers. His play wasn't good enough to warrant further touches if he wanted to continue fumbling the ball away.

Loser – No Pat Surtain II

The Broncos lost their best player, cornerback Pat Surtain II, to a concussion very early in that game and the defense never recovered from that loss. What makes matters worse is that the Broncos only have a short week and Surtain has little to no hope of getting out before the Broncos travel to New Orleans to face the Saints on Thursday Night Football.

The Saints will field a rookie quarterback making his second start and will also be without their top receiver, Chris Olave, who also suffered a concussion in today's game. Still, losing Surtain II for an extended period of time hurts, and we saw that today.

Winners – Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin

Sutton had a one-handed touchdown reception late in the game and Troy Franklin caught his first career touchdown pass. I'm lumping them together because they were the Broncos' only significant offensive plays in the game.

Sutton's crazy catches have become the norm and hopefully will continue to be so. The Broncos need Franklin to be a playmaker and hopefully this touchdown will boost his confidence after he suffered an ugly drop in the end zone against the Raiders last Sunday.

Loser – Broncos offensive line

I'm not an offensive line expert, but the pass protection wasn't good in this game. Nix was constantly under pressure and being pushed out or chased out of the pocket. The long list of injuries along the offensive line appeared to have caught up with the Broncos, who lost two starters and a key reserve backup who played well.

Other winners and losers

• Cody Barton – Loser: He suffered serious injuries during a touchdown reception by the Chargers' backup running back in his first career game. He needs to do better when considered a coverage linebacker.
• Greg Dulcich – Loser: He was inactive for the second straight game and appears to be in the Broncos' doghouse. He used to be a promising opponent, but now he is a player who is at the bottom of the squad and underperforming.
• Devaughn Vele – Winner: He led the team with 4 receptions for 78 yards. Much of it came in garbage time, but still a notable stat line from the Broncos rookie wide receiver.
• Nik Bonitto – Winner: Has a sack in four straight games
• Wil Lutz – loser: Those onside kick attempts weren't great