So let’s start with the stats.
Despite starting the season 1-4, the Denver Broncos have been the third best team in the league at stopping opponents on third and long. They have only allowed three conversions on 28 attempts (14.3%) and only one per game (vs OAK, vs CHI and vs GB). New England (9.3%) and Dallas (10.3%) have both been better. Conversely San Fran (38.9%) and Washington (39.3%) have been terrible.
The Broncos held the Los Angeles Chargers to 0 for 4 on 3rd & long. Philip Rivers was 1 of 4 for 2 yards on 3rd & long and while he didn’t get sacked he was pressured on all four of those dropbacks.