The Denver Broncos' biggest boys and duds in their 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers

It was a tale of two halves Denver Broncos found themselves at both ends of the football spectrum, turning a dismal first half into a near-comeback that narrowly fell short in a 23-16 loss to the USA Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos' balloon, which briefly soared in hopes of a comeback, crashed back to earth after playing just two of the four quarters of football.

Between penalties, lack of execution and an inability to seize the moment, the Broncos continually missed opportunities to take the game back from the Chargers. Sunday was the ultimate Broncos experience: from disastrous to gutsy, all within four quarters.

Let’s get to the Broncos’ biggest guys and guys from Week 6.

Bo Nix | QB (second half)

After a first half that could have served as a sleep aid, Nix finally woke up and found his rhythm. His pocket presence and use of his legs improved dramatically, and he led two shots on goal that had us thinking about a miracle comeback.

Devaughn Vele | WR

Vele was ever-present in the second half and seemed to be the only receiver constantly rattling the Chargers' secondary. He pulled down a couple of clutch handles that screamed, “Hey, throw me some more ball!”

Courtland Sutton | WR

Sutton once again showed that he was a legitimate number one receiver. His acrobatic sideline catch in the third quarter was the kind of play that makes you wonder why he wasn't targeted on every single attack.

O-line (second half)

In the first half of the offensive line, Nix ran for his life like he was in a bad action movie. In the second half, they learned how to block, giving Nix time to look downfield and avoid sack-killing attacks.

Zach Allen | EN

Allen was a beast in the trenches, clogging up the walkways like he had something against them. He also recorded a sack, causing Justin Herbert to feel the weight of the Broncos' pass rush, albeit too little, too late.

Justin Strnad | L.B

Strnad was omnipresent in the second half and his moves kept the game close and gave the defense momentum. Despite a struggling unit, his pass coverage and timely tackles in crucial situations gave the Broncos hope.

Brandon Jones | S

With the defense having difficulty stopping the run, the defensive coordinator had to call in reinforcements from the safety area. Jones had 11 solo tackles.

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Bo Nix (First Half)

The first half of Nix was more like a Madden simulation where the player accidentally picks up the wrong controller. After two drives, he already had an interception to his name, which killed the momentum early in the game faster than you could say “incomplete pass.”

Sean Payton (first half)

The halftime score might as well have featured a complimentary “It’s on me” note from Sean Payton. His game plan in the first half was predictable and uninspired, setting his team up for failure.

Javonte Williams | RB

Williams fumbling in the red zone was like ejecting your team when they're already down.

Tight ends

You're not alone if you're wondering what the Broncos' tight ends did all game. Their inability to block or meaningfully contribute to the passing game was a glaring weakness.

Defense (first half)

The Broncos' defense was so porous in the first half that it could have served as a sieve. Missed tackles, missed coverages and an inability to stop the Chargers' running game made for an embarrassing 30 minutes.

Conclusion

If there is a spark of optimism to cling to, it is the resilience shown in the second half. Nix recovered, the defense stepped up after Surtain's injury and the Broncos at least showed they weren't going to give up.

This team refused to give up and fought back from a deficit to make it a game – proof that there is still fighting spirit in these Broncos. Maybe, just maybe, next time they'll figure out how to put four quarters together.

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