STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
NFL Team Report - Los Angeles Chargers
PLAYER NOTES --WR Keenan Allen (hip) was a full participant in practice Wednesday. --RB Austin Ekeler (neck) went through a full practice Wednesday. --TE Sean Culkin (back) was limited in practice Wednesday. --LT Russell Okung (ankle) was a limited participant Wednesday. --LB Tyrone Holmes was signed to the practice squad Wednesday. PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: WR Keenan Allen. Mike Williams leads the Chargers in scoring receptions, but Allen is closing out another Pro Bowl season. Allen needs seven catches to reach 100 for the second consecutive year and third in his career. Last year he set a franchise mark with 102 receptions. Don't overlook Allen's blocking as he has helped spring many a run. GAME PLAN: The Chargers play this game with an eye to its next. So being aggressive early and getting ahead of a team that isn't known for scoring points would allow the Chargers to keep a passing Philip Rivers from harm's way and also give others to take a blow before the playoffs. Rivers will attack the Broncos' secondary early -- if given time -- and tap the breaks with the lead if all goes well.MATCHUPS TO WATCH --Chargers running game, with RB Melvin Gordon, vs. Broncos run defense which is ranked No. 22. Gordon will be starting his second straight game after missing three with a knee injury. The Chargers are walking a fine line here with needing Gordon to be sharp for the playoffs, but more important, healthy. If the Chargers can get ahead, and even if they don't, rookie Justin Jackson will be in the mix as well. With the focus on getting upfield, the Broncos' defense can be had for some big runs. Todd Davis has a team-high 108 tackles for the Broncos and is usually around the ball. --Chargers pass protection vs. Broncos two-headed pass rush. The Chargers' front line will have to be on its toes in what figures to be a loud Broncos Stadium at Mile High. If the offensive linemen are tardy getting set because of the noise, the Broncos send Von Miller (14.5 sacks) and rookie Bradley Chubb (12) at the pocket. It's around the edges the Chargers have to be concerned about as RT Sam Tevi continues to earn his stripes since becoming a starter.
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