Winners and Losers from the Broncos 34-27 loss to the Chargers

Winners and Losers from the Broncos 34-27 loss to the Chargers
Mile High Report Mile High Report

I give you the winners and losers from the Denver Broncos 34-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football in Week 16.

The Denver Broncos entered tonight with a chance to clinch their first postseason berth since Super Bowl 50. They started out hot and had a 21-13 lead at halftime but totally collapsed in the second half and allowed the Los Angeles Chargers to come back and win the game.

Now, the Broncos need to win one of their final two games or get some help if they want to make the postseason.

As for the winners and losers, there are not too many winners in this game. It started to look like they would have multiple winners from this game but the second half collapsed erased all of that.

Here are your winners and losers from the Broncos' disappointing 31-24 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers.

LOSER - Broncos defense

The Broncos' vaunted defense which was showing some cracks in recent weeks had one of their worst efforts of the season. Their pass rush was MIA for most of the game, they left open receivers all game and allowed Gus Edwards to have a big game which includes two rushing touchdowns including one late in the fourth quarter that sealed the victory for the Chargers.

They allowed Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey to be wide open all game and he caught 6 receptions for 87 yards.

It was just an ugly showing for a defense that has played well all season. They did not come up with the impact play in this game, they were penalized, and allowed the Chargers to have their way with them in this one.

LOSER - Second half offense

The Broncos offense looked great to start the game. They had three drives for three touchdown passes and had a 21-10 lead at one point. After that point? They scored two field goals in the second half and struggled to move the ball consistently.

Bo Nix struggled to push the ball downfield and missed an open Marvin Mims Jr. on a deep ball late in the game. He was efficient, and did have two touchdown passes, but struggled in the second half. The run game was good, but they kept going away from it for whatever reason.

A disappointing effort after they started the game hot. They had a shot to clinch a postseason berth and had a two-score lead, but their offense and defense choked it away in the second half.

LOSER- Sean Payton

When there’s a second-half collapse, the coach deserves all the blame. His clock management allowed the Chargers to get a field goal before halftime and despite having a run game actually working, he kept going away from it.

Rookie running back Audric Estime had just 9 carries on the night while averaging 5.3 yards per carry. He was the Broncos best back but they continued to not give him the ball.

The...