Five Key Matchups: Broncos-Chargers
Chris Harris Jr. and Philip Rivers have a history. See why Rivers won't hesitate to throw at the cornerback who's been blanketing receivers, and the other matchups that will decide Thursday's game.
This pair knows each other well, having played seven times (including playoffs), with Denver going 5-2 in those contests. Harris picked off Rivers twice in the Broncos' 24-point comeback in 2012, taking one back for the game-sealing score, and is off to a blistering start to 2014, allowing the lowest completion percentage and QB rating of any corner in the NFL (according to Pro Football Focus). But Harris still expects Rivers to throw at him. "Yeah, I mean I know he's going to come after me," Harris said, laughing. "Just the history we've had, just playing against him. He doesn't care who he throws at. He trusts his receivers, so we all need to be ready." Harris has one interception on the season and has come close to a few others. He'll certainly be on the prowl for a pick or two against a familiar foe.
DeMarcus Ware may have outsacked Miller by one against the 49ers but Miller hounded Colin Kaepernick on his way to his third consecutive two-sack game, extending his streak of games with at least one sack to five games overall and moving into the NFL lead with eight on the year. His primary victim was Anthony Davis, a former first-round right tackle who returned from nagging knee and ankle injuries to make his second start of the year. Fluker, a 2013 first-round pick, hasn't missed a game this year, but he's been on the injury report since spraining an ankle in the Chargers' Week 5 shutout of the Jets. Even if the injury isn't bothering Fluker anymore, he'll have his hands full with Miller, who is in top form despite being about 10 months removed from a torn ACL.
Peyton Manning's biggest threat to win Offensive Player of the Month is his top receiver, who has been an absolute terror for opposing defenses the last three games. With Thomas' hot streak, it's a bad time for the Chargers' secondary to be as banged up as it is—top corner Brandon Flowers has been ruled out for Thursday's game with a concussion, while standout rookie Jason Verrett and reserve Steve Williams are questionable with shoulder and groin injuries, respectively. "They've still got great players," Thomas said Wednesday. "Some of the players that are starting this week started last year and they were able to beat us still, so our main thing is trying to go out and do something better than what we did last year." With another great performance, Thomas could become the fifth player in NFL history to put up four consecutive games with at least 120 yards and a touchdown.
Knighton has 13 tackles this season, but that total belies the effect he has on the game by plugging holes and creating opportunities for teammates. DeMarcus Ware credited much of the team's stout run defense—third in the league in rushing yards allowed and fifth in yards per play—to Knighton. Ware also detailed how much Knighton helps the Broncos' edge rushers get after the passer: "Terrance will sometimes crash down on the guard and he'll give you a two-way go on the tackle when the tackle's thinking, 'You know what? I'm going to have guard help,' but big Terrance will hold the guard for me." Dealing with the big nose tackle this week will be the Chargers' second-string center, Rich Ohrnberger, who relieved Nick Hardwick after the 11-year vet went on injured reserve with a neck injury after Week 1. Ohrnberger has dealt with a back injury himself, missing Weeks 4 and 5 and sitting out practice last Thursday and this Tuesday. The backup center should get plenty of help, but expect Knighton to get some push in Rivers' face while freeing up others to close in.
Marshall has settled in as the starting replacement for Danny Trevathan, leading the team in tackles and recording four of the linebackers' five passes defensed on the season. Joining him in the nickel package of late has been seventh-round rookie Corey Nelson, whose work ethic and speed have earned him more reps since Trevathan's injury against the Jets. The young pair will face the crafty veteran Gates, whose production hasn't slowed one bit in his 12th NFL season, eight of which have ended with Pro Bowl appearances. Gates has snagged seven touchdowns in as many games, including four in the last three weeks. How well Marshall and Nelson can track Rivers' longtime target will be key in limiting an effective Chargers offense.
