Game 5: Broncos Vs Chargers Preview

The Broncos return home this week after getting demolished last week against the Packers. They take on the Chargerettes who have yet to fire up this year and are cruising along on a steady record. The Broncos are starting to get healthy and really need to get a win here. Otherwise the Broncos will be going into the bye week with a 1-4 record, dismal. The Broncos really need to step it up or that Tebow noise will be deafening.

In some sad news rookie starting right tackle Orlando Franklin practiced Thursday after the death of his younger brother Wednesday. He was excused from the team Wednesday, but the fact he was back at practice Thursday is a sign that Franklin is on pace to play Sunday. He has started every game for Denver this season. “Thanks guys for all your prayers for my little brother,” Franklin stated on his twitter account. “It’s a shame he had to die at 20.” Our condolences to Franklin and his relatives and friends.

Why to watch

If you are part of Tebow Nation, then you will bask in the inevitable signage, screaming and general hoopla that Broncos fans will make for Tim Tebow. But if you want to actually see him play football, you might not get more than another play or two.

Denver: Willis McGahee, running back: McGahee had a nice bounce-back game in Week 4. He had 103 yards on 15 carries at Green Bay. He had 52 yards 22 carries in Week 3. McGahee is better served to keep his carry totals fewer than 20. If Denver can do that, perhaps he can bring life to the run game again Sunday against visiting San Diego.

Inside story

Denver has the worst pass defense in the NFL -- though Champ Bailey should be back for this one -- and Philip Rivers has yet to really hit stride. Vincent Jackson could be in store for a big day.

Cornerback Champ Bailey continued to make strides toward returning Sunday after a three-week absence due to a hamstring injury. He told reporters in Denver on Thursday that he expects to play Sunday. He practiced fully both practice days this week.

Denver does have some issues at safety. Brian Dawkins (ankle) missed his second straight day of practice and fellow starter Rahim Moore missed Thursday’s practice with an illness. The Broncos hope they both play, but if not, rookie Quentin Carter and little-used veteran David Bruton would be set to play against the Chargers.

Injury Report

Eddie Royal (WR), Groin, DNP
Demaryius Thomas (WR), Finger, DNP
Julius Thomas (TE), Ankle, DNP
Brian Dawkins (S), Ankle, DNP
Daniel Fells (TE), Knee, Limited
Jonathan Wilhite, Illness, DNP
Rahim Moore (S), Illness, DNP
Champ Bailey (CB), Hamstring, Full
Marcus Thomas (DT) Groin, Full

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Luis Castillo (DE), Tibia, DNP
Jacques Cesaire (DE), Knee, DNP
Antonio Gates (TE), Foot, DNP
Quentin Jammer (CB), Illness, DNP
Vincent Jackson (WR), Leg, DNP
Nick Hardwick (C), Neck, Full

Words can't express how much I dislike the Chargers, so here is one of my favorite pictures. ~ Aussie.