MANNING, SANDERS HOOK UP FOR 3 TDS TO LIFT BRONCOS OVER CHARGERS

+The Associated Press 

Associated Press (DenverBroncos.com)

With this much speed and acceleration, it's no surprise Emmanuel Sanders is so adept at catching up.

Sanders waited six long weeks to join the list of players who have caught a touchdown pass from Peyton Manning. Now, he has four in less than a week.

Manning and Sanders connected for a trio of touchdowns Thursday night in the +Denver Broncos' 35-21 victory over the San Diego Chargers .

"We understand in this offense, it can be anyone's night at any moment," said Sanders, who didn't catch his first TD pass for Denver until Sunday night, when Manning set the career record. "I'm just happy tonight was my night."

Sanders caught all nine passes Manning threw his way and gained 120 yards Thursday night.

He needs just 106 more yards to top his best season he ever had in four years in Pittsburgh. That's all in a night's work for Sanders, who has four career 100-yard receiving games, all this season.

"I'm enjoying playing with him," Manning said. "He's got a great work ethic. He really loves football and he brings that energy to practice every day and also to the playing field. ... He was pretty special tonight."

With the Chargers' banged-up secondary double-teaming red-hot receiver Demaryius Thomas, Sanders caught TD throws of 2, 31 and 3 yards. The last one followed Chris Harris Jr.'s interception of a flustered Philip Rivers.

Shots of the Game: #Broncos-#Chargers #SDvsDEN14 #NFL #BroncosCR3W http://t.co/NN5WE0l9AN pic.twitter.com/RWIgKIPWKJ
— Broncos CR3W (@BRONCOSCR3W) October 28, 2014

Rookie running back Juwan Thompson added two TD runs as the Broncos (6-1) tightened their grip on the AFC West division in the +NFL over the Chargers (5-3), who lost their second straight game.

"It's an accomplishment for the room," said Ronnie Hillman, who carried 20 times for 109 yards. "It's a touchdown for the room. He's taking them, but that's all right. He earns them. That's a tough 2 yards to get. I'm just playing my role getting him down there."

Manning finished 25 of 35 for 286 yards with three TDs and no interceptions or sacks five nights after breaking Brett Favre's career touchdown mark.

Sanders' speed, combined with Hillman's second gear, is the juice GM John Elway had in mind when he said the Broncos could be better this year than they were last season.

"John Elway and his staff went out and wanted to increase our team speed in all phases of the game and I think we've done that," coach John Fox said.

+BRONCOS CR3W - http://bit.ly/1wbzK6s

Sanders called Denver "wide receivers' heaven" when he joined the Broncos in the spring. He spent his first five games in a Broncos uniform piling up the yards -- 473 of them -- but wistfully wishing to become the 45th player to catch a touchdown pass from Manning.

The only blemish in Sanders' breakout night was his fumble in the fourth quarter that +Wes Welker recovered.

His teammates teased him that he'll be carrying around the football with the green beanie as punishment next week.

"But it's not big deal," Sanders said. "It's only going to make me better."

Each time Thompson scored, Rivers and the Chargers responded with 80-yard drives that ended with touchdown catches by tight end Antonio Gates. His first score was a 4-yard grab on fourth down, his second a 10-yard catch with 9 1/2 minutes left that made it 35-21.

Rivers finished 30 of 41 for 252 yards with three TDs and two interceptions.

Brandon McManus missed a 53-yard field goal with six minutes remaining, giving the Chargers great field position, but safety Rahim Moore intercepted Rivers' pass to Malcolm Floyd at the Denver 4 and the Broncos grounded it out from there.

With Sanders having a big day, Demaryius Thomas quietly topped 100 yards himself for the fourth straight week, finishing with 105 yards on eight catches, a team record.

Manning broke another of Favre's records on this night, albeit a much more obscure one: he now has 16 seasons with 20 or more touchdown passes, one more than Favre. And he's approaching another of Favre's marks: with his 157th career multiple TD game, Manning is two shy of Favre's mark in that category.

After losing at home to the Chargers on a Thursday night in December -- Denver's only home loss last season -- the Broncos changed their work week. They practiced without pads and helmets.

But their first two drives led to punts as defensive coordinator John Pagano again found ways to thwart Manning even with a banged-up secondary that was missing cornerbacks Brandon Flowers (concussion) and Steve Williams (groin).

Then, Sanders starting finding the end zone.

+Denver Broncos : Photo Courtesy (AP) +NFL +CBS Sports +Chargers 

"They're better than us right now," San Diego safety Eric Weddle said. "That's the reality of it. It's a long season. When we meet them again, however many more times, we'll be better."

Even Manning found something he didn't like on his and Sanders' big night.

He didn't like it when the scoreboard operator fired up the crowd when the Broncos were trying to chew up the clock.

"I'm not sure what he's doing, he's playing music and showing players dancing and getting the crowd fired up when we have the ball," Manning complained. "I don't think we should be doing that. I don't think we should be showing their quarterback on the sideline. I thought that was disrespectful.

"Our fans are great. Our fans are loud. Our scoreboard operator, it wasn't his best night."

Notes: Gates became the Chargers' career leader in yards receiving with 9,610, breaking the mark set by Hall of Fame WR Lance Alworth (9,584). ... Broncos LB Lamin Barrow sustained a concussion.

Vote Peyton Manning for FedEx Air Player of the Year

Vote for Peyton Manning on +NFL.com. Click on this link to get your vote out for the +Denver Broncos QB, NFL Record Setter, Peyton Manning:

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Broncos Tend to Put Opponents Down in Second Half

+BRONCOS CR3W Lucky #7 (Elway) Keys to the Game

Outside of the one obvious, recent letdown after halftime, the +Denver Broncos tend to show that containing them for 60 minutes is much more unlikely and difficult than the first 30 minutes. They rarely get rattled by early deficits or slow starts and almost seem to wake up after allowing a couple unnecessary plays or turnovers. Some may deem this as "playing with fire." Others might call it "Just a matter of time playing against what has been a +NFL record setting offense that just overwhelms opponents whether it is up tempo or slowed down. One aspect that was perhaps the most encouraging of all of their games this year. #VonMiller has really started to put his imprint as the premier edge rusher in the NFL.

Matt Prater and Britton Colquitt celebrating an NFL
Record 64 Yard FG against the Titans last Sunday.
Photo Courtesy: +NBC Sports (Sports Media Images)

#1 Key: Takeaway Margin: Despite what many would believe, +Denver Broncos with an extraordinary 11-2 record, Sunday's game vs +Tennessee Titans was only the 2nd game this year that the Broncos did not commit a turnover. It was also only the 3rd game of the year that they won the turnover battle as well. This is obviously the aspect that has gripped the Broncos back down this year. It was the first game in which they did not commit a turnover and forced one or more. This is a good sign obviously. Both turnovers were created by +Von Miller who's value cannot be misrepresented and overstated, as to affecting the game entirely with that offense that is putting up historic numbers. With a lead, his effect increases as he can only put pressure on the QB without Jack Del Rio expecting him to stay at home and play things tight and close to the vest in a close ball game.

#2 Key - QB Pressure: Both of these QBs can dissect any defense in the league if they have ample time. Bringing pressure is tough to not risk getting beat on a big play. This number is really what will either make the Broncos season a success or it won't in our opinion. It relies on ball security and especially when the ball security does not hold up on the field. Broncos giving teams free TDs or short fields is a double whammy to them more than most clubs. Anything that takes the record breaking offense off of the field is a negative. Turnovers obviously does this, and if it is in their own half of the field, the opponent is getting the variable that almost all have proven to need to remain in a 'fighter's punch,' distance on the Broncos.

#3 Key - 3rd Down Efficiency: Both sides of the ball. The Broncos are #1 in the league in 3rd down efficiency. The Chargers are #2 in the league in 3rd down efficiency.

+Chargers at +Denver Broncos
Week 15 (Game 14)
Graphic Preview Courtesy:
DenverBroncos.com

#4 Key - Redzone Efficiency: Both sides of the ball. The Broncos are #1 in the league in redzone efficiency. Chargers explosive offense drops down to #26 in the league in redzone efficiency.

Leading right up to #5 Key - The reason San Diego is 6-7 instead of on of the leaders for last wild card spot is because teams force FG's over TD's on them. Denver needs to make sure they continue this at home and force FG's by the Chargers offense or 4th down stops as San Diego will go for it when knowing TD's are an element they've got to get. If the Broncos can come out on top of this along with the takeaway's, #1 Key, they should win by about the amount the Vegas books are putting it at. Broncos favored by 10 pts.

#6 Key - Get the Chargers offense off the field, and get pressure on Rivers. Rivers tends to turn the ball over under durress. Von Miller has been electric lately with 5 sacks in his last 6 games. And that doesn't include the sack/pass deflection that was an interception as he met Fitzpatrick at the point of his release.

#7 Key - Allow the numbers and trends to continue. Peyton Manning is undefeated against division opponents since coming to the Denver Broncos. And they have not lost at home this year, with only two losses at home including the Ravens 2OT heartbreaker last year.

QB pressures aside, but if he can cause a takeaway on a regular basis, that is something this Broncos defense had a year ago that put teams on their heels and the defense took full advantage of it. In some respects, the special teams and a few defensive mistakes have been the Broncos defense's culprit. But when it come to being stiff and forcing a punt, they pull it off at a fairly high rate amongst NFL defenses. With the offense doing what it does, it is fairly sensible for the defense to take risks and try to make things happen whereas if they knew they had to be a bit stiffer and more of a bend don't break defense, they would probably have a lot of pass underneath completed but they like to get pressure and force opponents to either make a quick decision or quicker than they want on most plays. Sometimes, the loss of Rahim Moore, clarifies this, since he was one of the leagues best free safeties in denying teams home run plays in pass/run coverage, they will have an adjustment with Bolden, who has mainly been a backup DB his first 3 seasons is now being tossed into live game action as an FS. Defensive Coordinator, Jack Del Rio is surely trying to make adjustments to the loss of Moore and he will minimize that loss especially with a return of a full Champ Bailey and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Pass rush is providing consistent pressure and turnover chances more often because of it. 

Welker Out, Tamme Knows Manning will get the ball to Whomever gets Favorable Match up

Three big threats on offense that doesn't reveal a few
extra players that are skill position players that Peyton
Manning has to progress to as an NFL record setting side
thus far, this year. Photo Courtesy: DenverBroncos.com (AP)

Broncos Offense:

Serving up 

Several Weapons

DENVER (AP) - Peyton Manning has played the classic pick-your-poison trap all season, spreading the ball out evenly to his wide receivers while lighting up the scoreboard like no +NFL quarterback ever has.

Somebody is always singled up, and chances are that's where the ball's going, although Manning won't shy away from double coverage, either, if his man gets open.

Unlike many teams in today's air-it-out NFL, the +Denver Broncos don't have any primadonnas demanding passes and attention, preening for crowds and cameras. These Broncos are the antithesis of those high-maintenance superstars huffing back to the huddle to let the quarterback know just how open they were.

Manning has targeted Demaryius Thomas 117 times, Wes Welker 111 times, and Eric Decker 109 times.

Tight end Julius Thomas has been Manning's bulls-eye 69 times and running back Knowshon Moreno 58.

Those five players have caught 42 of Manning's 45 touchdown throws.

''The plays we call, there is a progression to each play, but the credit goes to the receivers for running full-speed routes,'' Manning said. ''When you run full-speed routes you're going to have a chance to get open. I think because they know we spread the ball around, guys are expecting the ball.''

+Chargers coach Mike McCoy, whose Chargers visit Denver on Thursday night, was on the other side of the equation a year ago as Denver's offensive coordinator and now he's the one trying to figure out ways to slow down Manning.

''With his football intelligence and the way he plays the game, he's going to take what the defense gives him,'' McCoy said. ''Whether it was in his early years in Indy, his late years in Indy, his time in Denver the last two years, he's going to more often than not find the open guy. It's not shocking at all the way he's spread the ball around and the success the entire offense has had because of the number of touches that each guy is getting.''

Five things to keep an eye on when the Broncos (11-2) try to improve to 11-0 against the AFC West under Manning when they host the Chargers (6-7):

BREAKING RECORDS: Manning is on pace to break several NFL records, including Tom Brady's mark of 50 TD passes and Drew Brees' record of 5,476 yards passing. And the Broncos are on pace to score a record 634 points.

''Yeah, the one we're concerned with is our win-loss record,'' Manning said. ''It tells you how competitive our division is that you're still having to take care of business each week.''

The Broncos lead the +Kansas City Chiefs (10-3) by a game.

WELKER OUT: Welker will miss this game after his second concussion in four weeks, but Jacob Tamme, Manning's former teammate in +Indianapolis Colts, is an able substitute in the slot.

Tamme was the odd-man out with the emergence of Julius Thomas, who broke Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe's single-season franchise record for tight ends with his 11th TD catch last week. But Tamme has 10 catches for 97 yards and a touchdown over the last three weeks.

''Obviously, Julius has played well this year, and Tamme hasn't had as much playing time, but he's had a great attitude,'' Manning said. ''And when his number has been called he's come in there and been outstanding.''

CHARGERS RECHARGED: The Chargers are as healthy as they've been all season, and last week they welcomed back outside linebacker Melvin Ingram, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in May.

+FOX Sports provides preview of Week 15: Broncos hosting Chargers

(This was not a video included in original AP story) Courtesy of: AP via Fox Sports

''Last week was a big step for him,'' McCoy said. ''He got 13 plays in the game. Now, he thinks he can play 100 plays. But that's just his attitude.''

FOX VS. McCOY: Broncos coach John Fox missed the first game between these teams because he was in a hospital in North Carolina recovering from heart surgery.

So, this game will be the first time McCoy will face his mentor.

''It's great to see him back out there. I wouldn't be here today without John Fox,'' said McCoy, who worked for Fox for seven seasons in +Carolina Panthers and Denver.

PLAYING WITH FIRE: The Broncos have fallen behind by double digits in each of the last two weeks before storming back to beat Kansas City 35-28 and Tennessee 51-28.

''Once we realize that there will come a week where our offense isn't going to put up 50 and we have to make a stand, then things will be better,'' defensive tackle Terrance Knighton said. ''Until then, it will be a dogfight.''
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