1 Remember when. Sure, LaDainian Tomlinson hasn't always looked himself this season - his two 100-yard games are a single-season career low - but he showed some pop last week. If the Chargers get any sort of run game going the Broncos defense will spend the day on its heels.
2 VJ Day. Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates have the numbers and the Pro Bowls, but it's receiver Vincent Jackson who just might be the offense's game breaker at the moment. Jackson has overpowered defenses over the last month with his combination of size and speed.
3 Shuffle and repeat. Same story every week: The Broncos just haven't gotten enough consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks for much of the year. They need to find some Sunday night because Philip Rivers leads the league in touchdown passes and quarterback rating. To let him stand and deliver is the quickest way into the offseason for the Broncos. 4 All's fair. OK, maybe it isn't fair how much the Broncos and everyone else have expected from Jay Cutler this season. But it comes with the job and all involved, including Cutler, knew it going in. Cutler needs a huge game, maybe his season's best, for the Broncos to play into January.
5 Bring it. After a season of saying they had plenty of time, the Broncos are now out of time. One game left for the playoff spot they said they were good enough to earn. Welcome to the bottom line.
