5 STEPS TO BEATING THE CHARGERS

       Last year, in order to beat the Chargers, you would probably need more than five things, especially if you're the Can't-stop-LT Broncos. With the loss to the Panthers last week, combined with Cromartie and LT's questionable avalibility, mixed with Merrimen's absence, I've managed to squeeze in 5 key points in beating the Chargers on Sunday. Here they are, ranked from least to most important, enjoy:

5) POUND THE BALL

       I'm going to be honest, as a die-hard Broncos fan, i was but mildly impressed with the running showcase last week. Considering it was the Raiders, maybe it could be upgraded to somewhat impressed. Bottom line is that Selvin Young didn't look explosive, Hall was great, but you have to wonder whether the death of her mother was the push. Michael Pittman, soaking up fantasy points with his short touchdown rumbles, was ineffective outside of the Raider's 5 yard line. This week, the Broncos will face a real test against the Chargers. Needless to say, they will be much more aggressive and talented than the Fader Squad, and if the Broncos give an encore of their performance last week, im thinking a 400 yard game by Cutler would be the only way to come out of Invesco Field with a win.

4) Get Marshall Involved

        Brandon Marshall had his fair share of news this past offseason, and fans like me are hoping that the next news of Marshall will be about his 200 yard 3 touchdown performance. Okay, I was sarcastic, but i feel in order for the Broncos to have a balanced attack, Cutler will have to get the ball to Marshall quick and short. Marshall will most likely be lined up with Cromartie (who by the way is still limping). Cromartie is a corner with excellent hands, so the ball mustn't stay in the air for too long. The trick is to get some quick curl or screen routes for Marshall; get him easy catches for easy yards and most importantly, get his feel back on. Marshall, if you know, is a YAC type of runner. He does most damage when he has the ball in his hands. With a limping Cromartie in coverage, he will in pursuit most of the night.

3) IN PRATER WE TRUST (and Kern)

            It's hard to trust some guy who's made one out of four field goals in his career before this season, but Matt Prater will be crucial in this game. Why? Because I predict the score is going to be so close that the final W will fall on the team who will get the final FG. Having said that, Prater was 2-2 against the raiders. However, he was not tested properly in the blowout. As you all know, kickers become a whole different person when faced with a must-get FG try. Many kickers, however exceptional they may be in practice, chock. Let's hope Prater can give up some solid FGs, even though I'd take the touchdowns any day.

2) STOP LT

            Two words, the last of whichcaused the Broncos to be decimated by the Chargers last season. This words is easier said than done, MUCH EASIER. Stopping LT is a titan task, and with the D-Line that the Broncos are using, it's on the brink of impossible. What is different this season is the new addition of Dewayne Robertson. Other than that, the D-Line still flirts with mediocrity. What is going to help most, probably, is the fact that LT is not completely healthy, but even an injured LT can do much damage when given the carries.

1) PRESSURE RIVERS

            Here it is, the number one formula to beating the Chargers. You have to pressure Rivers. You've seen what Russell can do last week while given time, and you know what every QB in the NFL is going to do under the same circumstances. What makes matters worse is the fact that Rivers, however annoying and ignorant he may be, is a top calibre quarterback. If you give him time to plant his feet and settle down in the pocket, he's going to find someone, whether it be Chambers or Jackson or Gates. As far as I'm concerned, the Broncos are nowhere close to stopping Gates if Rivers have all day to throw. The Broncos might employ a blitz package to pressure Rivers, although that could turn disastrous when the Chargers run a screen to LT. Question: How many people can tackle LT in the open field? Answer: Urlacher, maybe. Unfortunately, the Broncos do not have Urlacher, so the secondary of Abdullah and McCree must do their job. What I'm thinking more along the lines of pressuring Rivers is stop the run adequately on first and second, setting up a 6+ third down situation, then set Dumervil loose. Dumervil is the only person on the Broncos who is capable of harrasing Rivers constantly, but his ineffectiveness against the run keeps him from being an impact Defensive End.