The Broncos–Chargers rivalry is a National Football League (NFL) rivalry between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers. Since the American Football League was established in 1960, the Broncos and Chargers have shared the same division, first being the AFL Western Conference, and since the AFL–NFL merger, both clubs have competed in the American Football Conference (AFC) West division.
Denver Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers
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First meeting | October 16, 1960 Chargers 23, Broncos 19 |
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Latest meeting | December 31, 2023 Broncos 16, Chargers 9 |
Next meeting | October 13, 2024 |
Statistics | |
Meetings total | 129 |
All-time series | Broncos, 73–55–1 |
Postseason results | Broncos, 1–0
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Largest victory | Broncos, 38–3 (1997) Chargers: 58–20 (1963), 41–3 (2007) |
Longest win streak | Broncos, 7 (1975–1978) Chargers, 6 (1963–1966) |
Current win streak | Broncos, 3 (2022–present) |
Playoff and Championship success | |
AFL Championships (1960–1969)
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Location of the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers
The Broncos lead the overall series 73–55–1. The teams have met once in the playoffs, a 24–17 Broncos win in the 2013 AFC Divisional Round.
Notable moments
edit1985–2006
edit- November 17, 1985: Broncos' safety Dennis Smith blocked two straight field goal attempts in overtime, after the Chargers had advanced the football to the Broncos' 23-yard line in the first overtime possession. On 4th and 4 from the Broncos' 23, Smith blocked Bob Thomas' initial field goal attempt, only to have it negated due to a timeout being called by teammate Mike Harden prior to the kick. Following the timeout, Thomas attempted a second kick; this was also blocked by Smith and returned by Louis Wright for a 60-yard touchdown for a 30–24 Broncos' overtime win at Mile High Stadium.[1][2]
- September 4, 1994: The Broncos jumped out to a 24–6 lead at Mile High Stadium on the Chargers in the second quarter, however, the Chargers responded, and took a 27–24 lead at half time, after safety Stanley Richard returned a John Elway interception 99 yards for a touchdown just before halftime. The Chargers later sealed the victory after linebacker Junior Seau recovered a fumble by Elway in the game's closing seconds.[3]
- September 14, 2003: The Broncos routed the Chargers 37–13 at Qualcomm Stadium. However, the game is notable for a uniform mix-up, in which the Broncos came to the stadium in their road white jerseys, when the host Chargers were planning to wear white, and were supposed to be the team that declared their uniform color. The Broncos were fined $25,000 as a result, and when the two teams met at Invesco Field at Mile High later that season in Week 11 (November 16), the NFL allowed the Chargers to choose their uniform color in advance, and they chose navy blue, forcing the Broncos to wear their white jerseys at home for the first time since 1983.[4]
- December 10, 2006: The Chargers routed the Broncos 48–20 at Qualcomm Stadium, in which Chargers' running back LaDainian Tomlinson set a new NFL record for touchdowns in a single season, with 28.[5]
2007–2011
edit- December 24, 2007: In the fourth quarter of a Monday night game at Qualcomm Stadium, Broncos' quarterback Jay Cutler was involved in a verbal scuffle with Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers and linebacker Matt Wilhelm, with Rivers taunting Cutler and Wilhelm mocking a "waving" gesture. Broncos' cornerback Champ Bailey took exception to Rivers' taunting of Cutler.[6]
- September 14, 2008: With 52 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Chargers were leading 38–31 in Denver. The Broncos hiked the ball on 2nd-and-goal from the Chargers' 1-yard line. Jay Cutler rolled out to the right and fumbled the football before he brought his arm forward, which was recovered by Chargers' linebacker Tim Dobbins. However, referee Ed Hochuli called the play dead as he believed it to be an incomplete pass, so the ball was returned to the Broncos at the 10-yard line (the spot where the ball hit the ground). Two plays later, on 4th-and-goal from the 4, Cutler threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Eddie Royal to make the score 38–37. Instead of kicking an extra point to tie the game and send it to overtime, Broncos' head coach Mike Shanahan opted for a 2-point conversion. Cutler completed the conversion with another pass to Royal, giving the Broncos a 39–38 victory.[7]
- December 28, 2008: The Broncos and Chargers met in the 2008 regular-season finale in San Diego, with the winner clinching the AFC West title. Three weeks earlier, the Broncos were 8–5 and the Chargers were 5–8, with the Broncos losing their next two games and the Chargers winning their next two to pull to within one game of the Broncos for the division lead. Three and a half months after the aforementioned controversial Broncos' win in Denver, the Chargers exacted revenge, with an emphatic 52–21 win that not only completed a monumental Broncos' season-ending collapse, but also denied the Broncos a playoff berth. The two teams finished the 2008 season tied for first-place in the AFC West, each with an 8–8 record, however, the Chargers won the division based on a better record against AFC West divisional opponents (5–1 to the Broncos' 3–3).[8] This was also Mike Shanahan's last game as the Broncos' head coach, as he was fired two days later after 14 seasons.[9]
- November 27, 2011: Quarterback Tim Tebow led the Broncos to a 16–13 win at Qualcomm Stadium in overtime, with kicker Matt Prater nailing a 37-yard field goal with 29 seconds left. Earlier in overtime, the Broncos blocked a 53-yard attempt by Chargers' kicker Nick Novak, however, Broncos' head coach John Fox called a timeout prior to the kick. Novak subsequently missed the second attempt.[10]
2012–present
edit- October 15, 2012: Trailing 24–0 at halftime after back-to-back special teams turnovers and an interception returned for a touchdown, quarterback Peyton Manning led the Broncos to a stunning 35–24 comeback win in San Diego. Three second-half interceptions and two lost fumbles by Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers swung the momentum toward the Broncos' favor, as Manning and the Broncos capitalized on each Chargers' mistake. Manning went 13/14 for 167 yards and three touchdowns in the second half, hitting Demaryius Thomas on a 29-yard score with 10:56 left in the third quarter to get the Broncos on the scoreboard. Following a 65-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery by cornerback Tony Carter, the Broncos suddenly found themselves down only 10 as the Chargers watched their comfortable halftime lead dwindle. Manning added two more touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, finding Eric Decker on a 7-yard score and then connecting with Brandon Stokley on a 21-yard pitch and catch to give the Broncos a 28–24 lead with 9:03 left. Cornerback Chris Harris, Jr. sealed the comeback with a 46-yard interception return to put the Broncos up 35–24 with 2:06 left. The defense added one final takeaway as Rivers fumbled in the game's final minute to end what was certainly an instant Monday Night Football classic.[11]
- September 11, 2017: The Chargers were attempting a game-tying 44-yard field goal at Sports Authority Field at Mile High with five seconds left in the game, after trailing 24–7 to begin the fourth quarter. However, Chargers' placekicker Younghoe Koo's field goal attempt was blocked by Broncos' defensive end Shelby Harris for a Broncos' 24–21 win. Koo's initial field goal attempt was good, but it was nullified as the result of Broncos' head coach Vance Joseph calling a timeout in order to ice the kicker, forcing a second attempt.[12]
- October 22, 2017: The Chargers shutout the Broncos by a score of 21–0. This was the Broncos' first shutout loss in 25 years, since the 1992 season. Chargers' wide receiver Travis Benjamin was instrumental in the victory with a 65 yard punt return for a touchdown and a 42 yard touchdown catch.[13]
- November 18, 2018: The Chargers were leading 19–7 in the third quarter at StubHub Center, and were threatening to pull away from the Broncos. However, linebacker Von Miller swung the momentum in the Broncos' favor, with an interception of a screen pass by Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers, returning the football 40 yards to the Chargers' 18-yard line. This set up a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Royce Freeman to pull the Broncos to within a 19–14 deficit. Following a 2-yard touchdown by running back Phillip Lindsay (with an unsuccessful two-point attempt) and a go-ahead 30-yard field goal by Chargers' placekicker Michael Badgley, Broncos' quarterback Case Keenum engineered a game-winning drive, culminating in a 34-yard field goal by placekicker Brandon McManus as time expired, for a 23–22 Broncos' victory.[14]
- December 1, 2019: After a 46-yard field goal by Chargers' placekicker Michael Badgley tied the score at 20–20 with only 14 seconds remaining at Empower Field at Mile High, the game appeared to be headed to overtime. However, instead of a kneel-down, Broncos' rookie quarterback Drew Lock, in his NFL debut, launched a deep pass attempt to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who drew a pass interference penalty on cornerback Casey Hayward at the Chargers' 35-yard line. This set up Broncos' placekicker Brandon McManus with the game-winning 53-yard field goal as time expired.[15]
- November 1, 2020: The Broncos trailed 24–3 in front of limited capacity at Empower Field at Mile High, and were stymied by the Chargers' defense in the first half. Entering the third quarter, the Broncos had scored only two touchdowns in the previous ten quarters. However, running back Phillip Lindsay ignited a rally with a 55-yard touchdown run, and quarterback Drew Lock threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Albert Okwuegbunam to draw the Broncos to within a 24–17 deficit early in the fourth quarter. After Lock's second touchdown pass—a 40-yarder to wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton, coupled with two field goals by Chargers' placekicker Michael Badgley, the Broncos trailed 30–24 with 2:34 remaining in the game. The Broncos began their game-winning drive at their own 19-yard line. Following a pass interference penalty on Chargers' cornerback Brandon Facyson in the end zone on 4th-and-4 with one second remaining, Lock connected on a 1-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver K. J. Hamler as time expired, coupled with placekicker Brandon McManus kicking the subsequent game-winning extra point.[16]
- December 27, 2020: The Chargers and Broncos had thir first matchup at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers, led by Justin Herbert, won the game 19–16, as kicker Michael Badgley converted a 37-yard field goal with 41 seconds remaining and the Chargers' defense intercepted the Broncos' last-second Hail Mary pass.
Game results
editDenver Broncos vs. San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers Season-by-Season Results | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1960s (Chargers, 15–5)
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1970s (Broncos, 13–6–1)
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1980s (Broncos, 12–8)
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1990s (Broncos, 13–7)
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2000s (Broncos, 11–9)
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2010s (Broncos, 14–7)
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2020s (Broncos, 5–3)
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Summary of Results
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Connections between the teams
editCoaches
editName | Broncos' tenure | Chargers' tenure |
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Craig Aukerman | Defensive assistant, 2010 | Assistant Special Teams coach, 2013–2016 |
Clancy Barone | Tight ends coach, 2009, 2011–2014 Offensive line coach, 2010, 2015–2016 |
Tight ends coach, 2007–2008 |
Tim Brewster | Tight ends coach, 2005–2006 | Tight ends coach, 2002–2004 Assistant head coach, 2004 |
Jeff Davidson | Guard, 1990–1993 Offensive line coach, 2017 |
Offensive line coach, 2016 |
John Fox | Head coach, 2011–2014 | Secondary coach, 1992–1993 |
Alex Gibbs | Offensive line coach, 1984–1987 Assistant head coach/Offensive line coach, 1995–2003 Offensive line consultant, 2013 |
Offensive line coach, 1990–1991 |
Anthony Lynn | Running back, 1993, 1997–1999 Assistant special teams coach, 2000–2002 |
Head coach, 2017–2020 |
Mike McCoy | Offensive coordinator, 2009–2012, 2017 | Head coach, 2013–2016 |
Ron Milus | Secondary coach, 2000–2002 and 2011–2012 | Secondary coach, 2013–present |
Mike Nolan | Special teams coach, 1987–1988 Linebackers coach, 1989–1992 Defensive coordinator, 2009 |
Linebackers coach, 2015 |
Wayne Nunnely | Defensive line coach, 2009–2011 | Defensive line coach, 1997–2008 |
John Pagano | Outside linebackers coach, 2020–present | Defensive assistant, 2002 Linebackers coach, 2003–2011 Defensive coordinator, 2012–2016 |
Dwain Painter | Offensive assistant, 1997 | Quarterbacks coach, 1994–1996 |
Wade Phillips | Defensive coordinator, 1989–1992, 2015–16 Head coach, 1993–1994 |
Defensive coordinator, 2004–2006 |
Greg Williams | Defensive backs coach, 2018 | Assistant defensive backs coach, 2013–2015 |
Joe Lombardi | Offensive Coordinator, 2023–present | Offensive Coordinator, 2021-2022 |
Players
editName | Position(s) | Broncos' tenure | Chargers' tenure |
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Stephen Alexander | Tight end | 2005–2007 | 2002–2003 |
Jeremiah Attaochu | Linebacker | 2019–present | 2014–2017 |
David Binn | Long snapper | 2011 (one game) | 1994–2010 |
Marco Coleman | Defensive end | 2004–2005 | 1996–1998 |
David Diaz-Infante | Center/Guard | 1996–1998 | 1987 |
Dedrick Dodge | Safety | 1997 | 1998 |
Orlando Franklin | Guard | 2011–2014 | 2015–2016 |
Melvin Gordon | Running back | 2020–2022 | 2015–2019 |
Virgil Green | Tight end | 2011–2017 | 2018–2020 |
Chris Harris, Jr. | Cornerback | 2011–2019 | 2020–2021 |
Jacob Hester | Fullback | 2012 | 2008–2011 |
Quentin Jammer | Cornerback/Safety | 2013 | 2002–2012 |
Marlon McCree | Safety | 2008 | 2006–2007 |
Anthony Miller | Wide receiver | 1994–1996 | 1988–1993 |
Russell Okung | Offensive tackle | 2016 | 2017–present |
Shaun Phillips | Defensive end | 2013 | 2004–2012 |
Adrian Robinson | Linebacker | 2013 (six games) | 2013 (three games) |
Dante Rosario | Tight end | 2011 | 2012 |
Eddie Royal | Wide receiver/Return specialist | 2008–2011 | 2012–2014 |
Neil Smith | Defensive end | 1997–1999 | 2000 |
Jimmy Spencer | Cornerback | 2000–2003[a] | 1998–1999 |
Harry Swayne | Offensive tackle | 1997–1998 | 1991–1996 |
Maa Tanuvasa | Defensive tackle | 1995–2000 | 2001 |
Mitch Unrein | Defensive tackle | 2011–2014 | 2015 |
Louis Vasquez | Guard | 2013–2015 | 2009–2012 |
J. D. Walton | Center | 2010–2013 | 2015 |
Wes Welker | Wide receiver/Return specialist | 2013–2014 | 2004 (one game) |
Jamal Williams | Nose tackle | 2010 | 1998–2009 |
Series leaders
editStatistics limited to Chargers-Broncos regular season games. Correct through 2021 season.
Broncos | Chargers | Ref | |
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Passing yards | John Elway – 6,548 | Philip Rivers – 6,732 | [17][18] |
Rushing yards | Floyd Little – 843 | LaDainian Tomlinson – 1,487 | [19][20] |
Receiving yards | Rod Smith – 1,400 | Charlie Joiner – 1,324 | [21][22] |
Touchdowns | Shannon Sharpe – 13 | LaDainian Tomlinson – 20 | [23][24] |
Sacks | Von Miller – 16 | Leslie O'Neal – 11+1⁄2 | [25][26] |
Interceptions | Steve Foley – 8 | Joe Beauchamp – 10 | [27][28] |
Notes
edit- ^ Jimmy Spencer also worked as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Broncos in addition to playing during the 2003 season.
References
edit- ^ Saccomano, Jim (October 3, 2007). "Broncos-Chargers Always Interesting". Denver Broncos. Retrieved October 3, 2007.
- ^ "On This Day in Broncos History: November 17". Mile High Report. November 17, 2012. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
- ^ "Chargers Rally for 37-34 Victory : AFC: Trailing, 24-6, three touchdown passes by Humphries and a 99-yard interception return by Richard leads San Diego over Denver". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. September 5, 1994. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
- ^ "End Zone Sports Charities" (PDF).
- ^ Bell, Jarrett (December 11, 2006). "Super Charger: L.T. sets single-season TD mark as Chargers clinch AFC West". USA Today. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
- ^ "Broncos' Bailey not a fan of Rivers after talk during game". ESPN. December 27, 2007. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
- ^ "Cutler finds Royal for late TD, two-point play to edge Chargers". ESPN. September 14, 2008. Archived from the original on March 5, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
- ^ Caldwell, Gray (December 29, 2008). "End of the Road". Denver Broncos. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
- ^ "Shanahan, Broncos Part Ways". Denver Broncos. December 30, 2008. Archived from the original on November 26, 2011. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
- ^ Legan, Kenny (November 27, 2011). "Overtime Field Goal Caps Comeback". Denver Broncos. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
- ^ Caldwell, Gray (October 16, 2012). "California Comeback". Denver Broncos. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
- ^ "Broncos block late FG, top Chargers 24-21 in Joseph's debut". ESPN. September 12, 2017. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
- ^ "Chargers send Broncos to 1st shutout loss in 25 years, 21-0".
- ^ "McManus' FG as time expires lifts Denver over Los Angeles". ESPN. November 18, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
- ^ "McManus' 53-yard field goal lifts Denver past Chargers 23-20". ESPN. December 1, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
- ^ Williams, Charean (November 1, 2020). "Broncos beat Chargers 31-30 on last-play touchdown". NBC Sports. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
- ^ "Most passing yards, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Most passing yards, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Most rushing yards, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Most rushing yards, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Most receiving yards, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Most receiving yards, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Most touchdowns, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Most touchdowns, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Most sacks, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Most sacks, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Most interceptions, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Most interceptions, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
External links
edit- Denver Broncos' official website
- The Denver Post – Complete Broncos Coverage
- Pro Football Hall of Fame – Denver Broncos team history
- Denver Broncos at Sports E-Cyclopedia.org
- Los Angeles Chargers' official website
- San Diego Union-Tribune – Chargers' coverage
- Los Angeles Chargers team history
- Los Angeles at Sports E-Cyclopedia.org