https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/11/chargers-broncos-key-things-russell-wilson-nathaniel-hackett/

Gavino Borquez
October 11, 2022 1:47 pm PT

The Chargers are looking to extend their win streak to three games when
they take on the Broncos next Monday night.

To get you prepped for the Week 6 bout, here are four key things to know
about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

Is Russ cooked?

As the old saying goes, “Let Russ cook!” Well, the question now looms
whether he is cooked instead. Wilson’s tenure with the Broncos after
being traded from the Seahawks hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows.
Wilson ranks No. 14 in the NFL in passing yards (1,254), is tied for No.
23 in passing touchdowns (four), and ranks No. 28 in passing completion
percentage (59.4%). Wilson sustained a partially torn lat near his right
shoulder in the Week 4 loss to the Raiders, but he is expected to still
play against the Chargers.

Was Nathaniel worth nothing?

The Broncos hired Nathaniel Hackett, former Packers offensive
coordinator, to oversee the team in hopes of him bringing a boost to the
offense. However, that has been far from the case. Denver is averaging
just 15 points per game, which is second-worst in the league behind the
Colts. In addition, the team has scored six total touchdowns, three of
which came in a single game in its loss to Las Vegas. Hackett has not
set a standard for discipline, as evident from a league-leading 44
penalties. Further, game management has been an issue, given that the
Broncos are 21.43% in red zone scoring percentage, which is the worst in
the NFL.

Familiar face keeps fumbling

Javonte Williams suffered a torn ACL and LCL in Week 4, leaving Melvin
Gordon as the Broncos’ top running back. Gordon has been decent this
season, as he has 193 yards and one touchdown on 52 carries (3.7 yards
per carry), as well as 11 catches for 98 yards. However, fumbles have
been a big issue for Gordon, who has four in 2022, the most among
non-quarterbacks. Mike Boone will share touches with Gordon, while
Latavius Murray could become more involved as Denver figures out the
rotation.

Top dog against the air

The Broncos boast the NFL’s best passing defense, allowing just 176.6
yards per game, and they have given up only three touchdowns, which is
tied for second-best. It all starts up front, where Denver has a
fearsome edge defender trio of Bradley Chubb, Baron Browning and Randy
Gregory, who have combined for 52 pressures in the first five games.
Along the interior of the defensive line, Dre’Mont Jones and D.J. Reed
have totaled 14 and ten pressures, respectively. Allowing quarterbacks
very little time to throw has been a big factor, but the Broncos have
arguably one of the top corners in second-year Patrick Surtain II, who
has done a great job of taking away the opposing team’s No. 1 wide
receivers.