Third Strike: The Denver Broncos Are Out Of The Playoffs

Andrew Glover by Scribe Written on December 28, 2008
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Tomlinson picked up another first down with a 12-yard run. Rivers finished the drive completing four-of-five passes for 24 yards. Brandon Manumaleuna caught a 12-yard touchdown pass to extend San Diego’s lead to 17-6.

 

After the Broncos had to punt again, San Diego went on a nine-play drive that took over six minutes. The Chargers went 58 yards with Rivers throwing for 48 yards on three completions. Tomlinson finished the drives with a four-yard touchdown giving San Diego a 24-6 lead.

 

The Broncos managed to get back in the game in the second half but only for a short time. Cutler completed his first four passes of the second half for 36 yards. Bell got his second touchdown with a 37-yard run that decreased San Diego’s lead to 24-13.

 

The Chargers answered back faster than a bolt of lightning. On second down and six from their own 35, Tomlinson gained 45 yards to the Denver 20. Rivers would put the Chargers back up by 18 with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles.

 

It wouldn’t take long for the Chargers to strike again. Cutler’s pass was intercepted by Luis Castillo giving San Diego the ball at the Denver 14. Tomlinson scored his third touchdown on a 14-yard run that gave San Diego a 38-13 lead in the third quarter.

 

Tomlinson rushed for 96 yards on 14 carries and scored three touchdowns; he finished the season with 1,110 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. However, Tomlinson left in the second half with an abdominal strain. Sproles had 14 carries for 115 yards and scored one touchdown.

 

Rivers had another strong performance; he completed 15-of-20 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns. Entering the game, Rivers led the league in touchdown passes and quarterback rating. Rivers finished the season with 4,009 yards passing and broke the franchise record for touchdown passes in a season with 34.

 

Chris Chambers and Gates led the Chargers with three receptions each. Chambers had 50 yards and Gates had 49. Gates left the game in the first half with a bad ankle. Jackson also added 47 yards on two receptions.

Vote Now! - Author Poll

What was the worst Broncos loss of the 2008 season?

  • San Diego Chargers 52 Denver Broncos 21
  • New England Patriots 41 Denver Broncos 7
  • Oakland Raiders 31 Denver Broncos 10
  • Kansas City Chiefs 33 Denver Broncos 19
  • Buffalo Bills 30 Denver Broncos 23
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

What was the worst Broncos loss of the 2008 season?

  • San Diego Chargers 52 Denver Broncos 21

    42.9%
  • New England Patriots 41 Denver Broncos 7

    0.0%
  • Oakland Raiders 31 Denver Broncos 10

    21.4%
  • Kansas City Chiefs 33 Denver Broncos 19

    7.1%
  • Buffalo Bills 30 Denver Broncos 23

    28.6%
  • Total votes: 14
(0)
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written on December 28, 2008 Game Recap

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