5 Biggest Takeaways from Denver Broncos' Week 13 Win over the Chargers

The Denver Broncos made it look easy against the San Diego Chargers in Week 13. They extended their current NFL record of 15 consecutive divisional road wins by beating the Chargers 17-3 on Sunday.

They were able to get out to a lead early after an offensive touchdown to open the game on their first drive. The Broncos have now scored on their opening drive in two of the last three games after failing to accomplish that feat over the first nine weeks of the season.

The Broncos defense then accelerated the scoring with an interception returned for a touchdown. They held a 17-3 lead going into halftime, and that was enough scoring to earn the win.

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak believes the team was methodical in its victory.

“We came out playing gangbusters as a team playing really well. I thought we got a little tired at times today, but we kept battling and sometimes on the road like that the key is not making mistakes and playing great defense.” Kubiak continued, “Really, other than the one mistake throwing the interception in the end zone we stayed pretty consistent. Proud of the win, it’s a tough win and we played great defense all day.”

Here are the five biggest takeaways from the Broncos’ Week 13 win over the Chargers.

Brock Osweiler Efficient/Effective

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

For the third straight game, Brock Osweiler led the Broncos to victory. His numbers as a starter haven’t been overwhelming, and this game was no different. Osweiler was mostly efficient and effective as a passer on Sunday.

He finished the game with 166 yards passing on 16-of-26 attempts. Osweiler had one touchdown pass early to Demaryius Thomas, but he also threw an interception for the second time in three starts.

Kubiak commented on Osweiler’s progress after the game.

“Well, I think he continues to grow. I think he did some young things today. I think that’s the way I would describe it.” Kubiak continued, “He always learns from his mistakes. He’s very good in conversations with me, and he wants the ball in situations.”

Osweiler took a chance on the pass that was intercepted, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The young quarterback needs to take care of the football, but it’s nice to see him try and have confidence in his arm strength. Osweiler will check the ball down when he needs to, but he’s not afraid to try and make a difficult throw from time to time.

C.J. Anderson Banged Up

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

The Broncos made C.J. Anderson a captain for the game against the Chargers. He was once again working as a backup running back behind Ronnie Hillman. Anderson came out running strong early in the game and finished with 42 yards on only seven carries against the Chargers. However, Anderson only played one half.

With less than a minute remaining in the first half, the Broncos were driving so they could score before it ended. Anderson hauled in a short pass, made a juke move in the open field and ended up moving the chains for a 12-yard gain. As the offense tried to move the ball in a hurry-up mode, Anderson was seen limping off the field hurriedly.

Kubiak didn’t have much of an update on Anderson after the game. “Anderson has got an ankle [injury], and that’s why you didn’t see him in the second half.”

Hillman admitted the team has some things to improve.

“We have a lot to do. We have to come back and establish that dominance. We have a lot to work on this week, and we’ve got a big game coming up against the Raiders and we’re at home.”

We’ll know more about Anderson’s injury as the week of practice goes on. For the time being, it looks like Hillman will continue to be the lead back for the Broncos as they march toward the postseason.

Demaryius Thomas Back on Track

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

Last week against the Patriots, wide receiver Thomas had the worst game of his pro career. He was targeted 13 times, but he only hauled in one pass in Week 12.

Thomas got back on track in Week 13 against the Chargers.

Denver’s first touchdown came via a grab from Thomas. With a little more than 11 minutes left in the first quarter, Thomas was able to get to the back of the end zone for a three-yard scoring grab.

He finished the game with six catches for 61 yards and one touchdown. It’s not a monster game like we’re used to seeing from Thomas (with Peyton Manning throwing him the ball), but this is what the Kubiak offense needs.

While the team is running the ball better with Osweiler, it’s creating more opportunities for the wide receivers in one-on-one situations. Thomas is almost unstoppable in that scenario, and the Broncos should continue to work diligently in order to create those type of matchups.

Osweiler talked about the team’s direction on offense.

“As a quarterback and as an offense you want to score points on every drive and you want to throw the ball 50 times. With the defense we have, that may not be the best formula to win games as the Denver Broncos of 2015.”

The Broncos were able to get Thomas involved early in the game. That’s a key for the team going forward so Thomas doesn’t get cold as a receiving option. Moving forward, expect the team to take a similar approach to what they did against the Chargers.

With a talent like Thomas, that’s a great idea.

David Bruton Everywhere

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos defense was playing without starting strong safety T.J. Ward against the Chargers. In his place, the team turned to veteran special teams ace David Bruton.

The longest-tenured Broncos player, Bruton has plenty of starting experience from earlier in his career—even postseason starts. However, with Ward added in 2014 we’ve mostly seen Bruton as a part-time player and captain on special teams.

Bruton came through in a big way for the Broncos on Sunday. He was seemingly in on every play, and Bruton finished the game with a team-leading 12 tackles (nine solo) in Week 13.

Kubiak knows the team had to perform without three starters on defense.

“Yeah, and we lost a few guys today. Throughout the course of the season we’re beat up, but that’s part of the league. We’re going to have to call on a lot of people here down the stretch,” Kubiak explained. “The good news is they’re getting experience because they’re having to play.”

There’s no telling how long Ward is going to be out with his high-ankle sprain. That type of injury is known to linger if not given plenty of time to heal.

Bad news for the Broncos as Bruton was knocked from this game with what is believed to be at least a sprained MCL and PCL. That could knock him out for Week 14 (and maybe longer).

Von Miller Harasses Rivers All Day

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker Von Miller was getting after Philip Rivers early and often. The Chargers quarterback was under duress for most of the game, and Miller was the primary player making Rivers uncomfortable. Even when he completed passes, there were many throws when Miller was hitting him or at least getting a hand on him.

The Broncos premier pass-rusher finished the game with four quarterback hits and two sacks. Rivers was blitzed on only 17.9 percent of his dropbacks, but the Broncos were able to get pressure on Rivers 48.7 percent of the time. That pressure percentage easily led the NFL in Week 13, and it was well above the week’s average of 29.7.

With a minute left in the game, Miller hit Rivers as he tossed a pass in the direction of Antonio Gates. As they rose to the ground, Rivers grabbed onto Miller’s jersey and started to yell at him. Miller then clutched Rivers' jersey as the officials separated the two. As the final drive for the Chargers continued, Rivers continued to talk smack at Miller after most every play.

Miller revealed what happened between him and Rivers after the game.

“I don’t think he was happy with the cologne I was wearing. I was wearing a lot of it, and I guess he wasn’t happy with it.” Miller smiled. “I was on him a lot at the end of the game, and not everyone likes my smell.”

That’s really all you have to say after a game like this.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database.

Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.