Chargers vs Broncos: Five players to watch for on Monday Night

DEN: LT Garett Bolles

The Denver Broncos went all in on protecting their quarterback and giving running back C.J. Anderson more cushion in the offensive line. After losing Russell Okung to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Denver Broncos went out and drafted tackle Garett Bolles out of Utah in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Now, the Broncos offense really is a mess. Right now, Trevor Siemian is serving as the starting quarterback with Brock Osweiler there for relief until Paxton Lynch is available to return from a shoulder injury. While Emmanual Sanders and Demaryius Thomas pose as threats in the passing game, overall, the offense looks a bit lackluster heading into this season.

If Bolles can give the line that extra jolt that is so needed though, the Broncos offense may not be as bad as we all expect. Los Angeles has a menacing front line that is going to keep them in the game and make this Monday Night Football showdown a lot closer than many people will expect. That is why Bolles’ performance will make or break a Broncos win.

If Bolles can shut down Melvin Ingram, the Broncos are going to have much more success dealing with Joey Bosa and Corey Luiget. However, if the NFL limelight startles Bolles in week one, we could see the Chargers defense becoming the playmakers, not the Broncos. The only way Los Angeles wins this game is if they can shut the run game down and get to Siemian.

That is why the next, and last, person to watch for may be even more important to the outcome than Bolles.