A Look Back: Broncos 27, Chargers 20 (2016)
As the Broncos prepare to take on the Chargers on Thursday, we took a look back at these two teams played, when Peyton Manning returned to help spark a comeback victory.
The Broncos opened the game in thrilling fashion when Brock Osweiler connected with Demaryius Thomas on a 72-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage. Thomas would finish the game with 117 receiving yards.
In spite of their fast start, the Broncos struggled to deal with four first-half turnovers (two fumbles, two interceptions). San Diego would force another turnover in the third quarter, giving them 10 points off Broncos turnovers as they took a 13-7 lead.
The Broncos defense held strong to prevent the Chargers from fully capitalizing on five turnovers. With three sacks, QB Philip Rivers struggled on the road.
Unable to find a spark, the Broncos turned to Peyton Manning at quarterback. Manning, healing from rib and foot injuries, may not have led the Broncos with his arm, but he provided stability that day as Denver regained their offensive balance and, eventually, the lead.
With C.J. Anderson pushing through the trenches, the Broncos regained the lead on a 1-yard run in the third quarter. He would finish with 95 rushing yards.
After the Broncos tied the game at 20-20 with a field goal in the fourth quarter, the Chargers had a chance to push their lead to a touchdown. But S Shiloh Keo picked off Philip Rivers and returned it to San Diego's 23-yard line.
On the play after Keo's interception, RB Ronnie Hillman took a handoff 23 yards for a touchdown, giving the Broncos the game-winning score.
After a possession that included this botched snap that the Chargers recovered, San Diego's last-gasp attempt to tie the game ended with a turnover on downs.
With the win, the Broncos clinched the conference's top seed and homefield advantage through the playoffs.
