San Diego offense vs. Denver defense

Denver's pass defense, with CB's Ray Crockett and Dale Carter, has come on strong in the past eight games, and is now ranked 8th, yielding just 207 yards a contest. This week, the success of the Broncos will not hinge solely on the play of Carter and Crockett, but SS Darrius Johnson as well. Johnson will be called upon to shut down Charger TE Freddie Jones, who has registered a team high 59 catches.

Harbaugh works his entire no-huddle offense around the tight end position, so Johnson will have to make plays on the football early to slow Jones' production. Jones has been catching so many passes in the games early stages that he's attracted the attention of opposing CBs, who then sag off of big play WR's Jeff Graham and Michael Ricks. Harbaugh will try to do the same against the Broncos on Sunday.

The Chargers offensive line has been sporadic in their protection of Harbaugh (Ironically, the Chargers seem to be at their best throwing the football when protection breaks down). Harbaugh is an improvisational quarterback, and WR's Jeff Graham and Michael Ricks ability to adjust their routes, coupled with the Chargers liberating no-huddle offense, are three big reasons for the Chargers success within the no-huddle system.

Expect the Denver secondary and LB's to rely on their coverage prowess to stop the Chargers, not a hefty blitz package. And when they are in coverage look for them to focus on the neutralization of TE Freddie Jones.

Denver offense vs. San Diego defense

	BRONCOS OFFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	Run	11
	Pass	13
	Tot. Yds.	11
	Scoring	14
	Int's allowed	18
	Sacks allowed	30
	CHARGERS DEFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	vs. Run	3
	vs. Pass	23
	Total yds. allowed	14
	# of Ints.	15
	# of Sacks	37
	Turnover differential	-5

Both of these teams are coming off big wins, however, they enter this game with nothing but pride lying in the balance. What makes this particular matchup enticing is that the Charger defense just shut down a red hot Raider running game, while the Broncos are fresh from an upset of the playoff-bound Lions that saw Olandis Gary rush for 185 yards on 29 carries.

The Chargers' defensive success should only increase with the return of run stopping SS Rodney Harrison, which will help revive San Diego's aching secondary. The Broncos Olandis Gary has flourished behind his offensive line, especially OC Tom Nalen, just awarded for his play in '99 by being voted to his third Pro Bowl.

Against the Chargers, Nalen and the Denver front will be faced with warding off the penetration of DT's Norman Hand and John Parrella. Hand and Parrella are two big reasons why the San Diego defense is ranked 3rd overall in the NFL, giving up just 85 yards a game on the ground.

The Broncos like to run Gary in the power alleys, between the tackles, so Denver OG's Schlereth and Neil will have to communicate with center Nalen to neutralize Parrella and Hand. If they don't Gary will be bounced outside to either SS Harrison or WLB Seau, who'll be more then willing to put the wraps on him. If Denver cannot run between the tackles they won't be able to run at all.

Denver QB Ryan Griese has been playing efficient lately, but has struggled in the face of the blitz, and the Chargers best defense of the pass is their offensive approach to it. They'll blitz defensive backs and linebackers often to make up for their lacking pass coverage.

The last time these two teams met Chris Miller was at quarterback for Denver in the Broncos November 7th victory. Griese hasn't seen this look yet, so look for rushed decisions leading to force throws. San Diego will also be changing coverage's often and switching personnel within their secondary in an effort to keep Griese confused.

Special teams

Key matchups