Chargers vs. Broncos: Instant Grades, Analysis for San Diego

Current Score: 30-23 Broncos Final

The game is now underway as the San Diego Chargers travel to Denver, Colorado, for their biggest game for the season. The Chargers are looking to get back on track after dropping four of their last five games.

Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos come into the game looking to put the Chargers away in the playoff race. A win for the Broncos would put the Chargers three games behind and set the Broncos' sights on AFC home-field advantage. 

Follow along throughout the game as we provide live grades and analysis for this pivotal matchup for the Chargers. 

Quarterback

Fourth Quarter Grade: C+ 

Rivers looked great when he had time to make throws in the fourth and was actually helped out by one of his receivers on the Danario Alexander touchdown. When Rivers has enough time to drop back and make a pass, he is a completely different quarterback than what Charger fans are forced to watch now. 

Third Quarter Grade: C+ 

Rivers had a rough quarter once again but made a nice throw for a touchdown to keep the Chargers within reach. Hopefully its momentum that the Rivers can build on. 

Second Quarter Grade: C- 

Once again Philip Rivers threw a costly interception that led to points against. Rivers once again struggled to make any throws but with the amount of time that Rivers has it would be nearly impossible to throw the ball down field. 

First Quarter Grade: C+ 

Rivers completed just 50 percent of his passes in the first quarter for just 27 yards. He did not have much time to throw the ball and looked terrible on a couple of deep balls. He needs to find a rhythm in the second quarter. 

Offense

Fourth Quarter Grade: B- 

The fourth quarter was by far the best quarter by the Charger offense but it still was far from what the team needed to do. The offensive line situation is awful, the Chargers are not going to be able to put points on the board if they cannot generate holes for the backs or enough time for Philip Rivers. 

Third Quarter Grade: C 

The Chargers are struggling on offense but looked good near the end of the third quarter when they were allowed to finally get the ball into the end zone. They need to build off the momentum that the Chargers gained on that drive if they want to make this comeback.  

Second Quarter Grade: C

The Chargers offense is nearly impossible to watch. They cannot move the ball down the field through the air or on the ground. The offensive line is in shambles leaving Rivers with not nearly enough time to do anything.

First Quarter Grade: C- 

The Chargers offense struggled in the first quarter against the Broncos. They could not get into any kind of rhythm. The Chargers need to find a way to get Ryan Mathews going, when he is part of the offense the offense is much better. 

Defense

Fourth Quarter Grade: B+ 

Once again the defense came up big in the fourth quarter holding the Broncos to just six points. The defense played well enough for the Chargers to win but the offense could not get enough going. It must be extremely frustrating for the defense as the losses pile up. 

Third Quarter Grade: B

The Chargers defense gave up a touchdown in the third quarter but have been the sole reason that the Chargers are still in this game. The offense has been nonexistent but the defense has been battling and keeping the Chargers alive. 

Second Quarter Grade: C

The Chargers defense struggled in the second quarter but weren't given much help as they were forced into tough field position. They forced a turnover but played awful against the deep ball. 

First Quarter Grade: A+ 

The Chargers defense played incredible in the first quarter. The pick six by Eric Weddle was the only points scored by either team. They have done a great job at slowing down the passing attack of the Broncos. 

Special Teams

Fourth Quarter Grade: C- 

The special teams unit played strong in the fourth quarter but why Antoine Cason fair caught the punt with 30 seconds left is baffling. Give your team a shot to win the game. 

Third Quarter Grade: B 

Mike Scrifes continues to punt and punt and punt. He has already tied his career record of punts in a single game and we still have a whole other quarter to play. 

Second Quarter Grade: F 

Two weeks and two blocked punts. Something is wrong with the punt protection that the Chargers need to address right away because Mike Scrifes can't take too many more shots. 

First Quarter Grade: A

Scrifes continues to be the best player on the Chargers, not sure if that's a good thing or not. 

Coaching

Fourth Quarter Grade: C- 

The seat gets hotter and hotter as the Chargers lose another game. The offense line struggled, which limited the play calling selection. The Chargers are not build to win but Norv Turner does not help them out at all. They have just won one game since week four.   

Third Quarter Grade: C- 

The Chargers continue to struggle on offense, Norv Turner needs to dig deep into this playbook in order to find something that can get this game turned around. 

Second Quarter Grade: D-

An awful quarter for the Chargers. They struggled in every aspect of the game. The punt protection has become a true issue for the Bolts. 

First Quarter Grade: B- 

The Chargers offense continues to struggle with Norv Turner's play calling. The defense looked much better but the offense is really holding the Chargers back in this game.