The nightmare that was the Denver Broncos' 2010 season came to an end on Sunday afternoon following a 33-28 loss to the San Diego Chargers. The Broncos gave a late scare to the Chargers in the final minutes of the game. Rookie quarterback Tim Tebow scored on a six-yard run to close the Chargers' lead to five points, which led to the Broncos attempting an onside kick. It was successful, giving Tebow another chance at a fourth-quarter comeback. At his own 46-yard line, Tebow completed a six-yard pass to Correll Buckhalter, who ran out of bounds to stop the clock. However, two deep passes to Pro Bowler Brandon Lloyd fell incomplete to end the game.
It was a good and bad day for Tebow, who was 16-of-36 for 205 yards, two touchdowns passes and two interceptions. He also led the team with 94 rushing yards and a touchdown. Tebow has shown enough in his three starts that he should enter 2011 training camp as the team's starting quarterback (well, that is if there is a 2011 season).
Brandon Lloyd finished his 2010 Pro Bowl season with five catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. Rookie receiver Eric Decker caught his first touchdown, but fellow rookie Demaryius Thomas had a bit tougher day. He was Tebow's target twice, dropping one pass and watching Quentin Jammer intercept the other pass.
Running back Knowshon Moreno had 41 yards on the ground, while Correll Buckhalter did most of his damage through the air (4 catches, 49 yards).
The defense showed once again why it is in need of a complete overhaul. Philip Rivers was 21-of-37 for 313 yards and no touchdown passes, but running back Ryan Mathews rushed 26 times for 120 yards and three touchdowns. Give credit to the defense for holding on the four drives that resulted in Nate Kaeding field goals, but Mathews was running with little interference by Broncos defensive players. With the No. 2 pick, the Broncos will need to draft a defensive lineman in order to begin anew.
Orange and blue, through and through.