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The Broncos (4-12) are looking to finish out their season on a positive note. Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
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Scouting report (noon): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Chargers in Kyle Newman’s scouting report.
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Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 20, Chargers 17
Jerry Rosburg, the pigskin poet laureate of Denver’s lost season, delivers a soliloquy worthy of William Shakespeare after the Broncos’ play for pride and the joy of beleaguered home fans. All’s well that end’s well. Or something like that.
Kyle Newman, beat writer: Chargers 24, Broncos 21
In a fitting ending to a dumpster-fire season, Justin Herbert or Chase Daniel engineers a last-second, game-winning drive to beat the Broncos and leave the home crowd booing as they leave. Another loss that proves there are serious question marks about Russell Wilson, who throws at least one game-changing interception for a third straight week.
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 21, Chargers 17
Sure, there’s nothing important to play for — Denver hasn’t had that in several weeks — but the Broncos turned in a try-hard performance against Kansas City last week. One more Sunday in the season finale and Jerry Rosburg may head back into retirement with a win on his NFL head-coaching ledger. Last time this team played at home, it grounded and pounded to 168 rushing yards, two touchdowns and a win against Arizona. Sounds like a good recipe.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 21, Chargers 20
Jerry Rosburg’s first week on the job proved what many had suspected all along: This roster needed a “dad” in charge as opposed to Nathaniel Hackett’s “cool older brother” vibe. And how can you not love a mug who name-drops Sonny Liston and Joe Palooka in the same sound bite?
Broncos-Chargers NFL Week 18: Must reads
NFL Journal: Broncos QB Russell Wilson on what he’s looking for in new head coach
Eleven things about the Broncos as they close out a disappointing regular season with a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
1. After Denver’s finale against the Chargers, CEO Greg Penner’s search for a new head coach will kick into high gear. Requests for interviews and the interviews themselves — depending on availability and playoff scenarios — will begin as early as the coming week. As the search develops, interviews will cover a lot of ground. Quarterback Russell Wilson, of course, will be a major topic of conversation. What does he want to see in a head coach? Read the full story. — Parker Gabriel
Dalton Risner is about to be a free agent. Next stop for the Broncos mainstay at left guard? Wherever he is “valued.”
For the last four years, Dalton Risner has been the Broncos’ anchor at left guard.
But unless the Broncos pony up with a competitive offer for the Wiggins native, he might have played his last game in orange and blue. Risner will be a free agent at season’s end and was placed on injured reserve this week with a strained ligament in his left elbow.
Risner addressed his uncertain future Thursday in Dove Valley, speaking to Denver media members after being named the 2022 recipient of the local PFWA chapter’s Good Guy Award. The honor is given annually to a Denver player who exemplifies enthusiasm, cooperation and honesty while dealing with reporters. Read the full story. — Kyle Newman
Broncos DC Ejiro Evero says he’s “as ready as you can be” to take on head coaching opportunity after season ends
When Denver’s season ends Sunday, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is likely to be a popular guy.
The first-year defensive coordinator, who turns 42 on Friday, is expected to draw interest from teams with head coaching openings in the NFL. Whether he lands a head job after just a year running a defense remains to be seen, but he’s quickly become a name to know in coaching circles.
Evero said he’s had conversations recently with Broncos brass, but “not specifically about the job here.” General manager George Paton said after the team fired Nathaniel Hackett that they want to interview Evero about the head coaching job. Read the full story. — Parker Gabriel
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