Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) makes a catch as San Diego Chargers’ Eric Weddle, left, and Jason Verrett defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
(Vavel) – It was the marquee matchup of Week 8 between two of the AFC’s best teams battling for the top spot in the AFC West. In the end the Denver Broncos (6-1) were too much for the San Diego Chargers (5-3) in a 35-21 victory at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Enter Emmanuel Sanders who had a career game at wide receiver as he hauled in all three of Manning’s touchdown passes. Sanders, who has brought speed down the field that the Broncos lacked last season, finished the night with nine catches for 120 yards. This was Sanders’ first multi-touchdown performance. How good is it to be in Denver catching balls from Manning? Sanders had never had a 100-yard receiving game until this season. He has tallied four 100-yard games in his last six starts.The Broncos offense with their quartet of receiving weapons has given quarterback.
Peyton Manning the luxury of spreading the ball around, allowing a different receiving star each week. It had been Demaryius Thomas (8 rec., 105 yards) andJulius Thomas at the forefront of the offensive attack the last couple of weeks. On Thursday night the Chargers defense had their focus on the Thomases as Demaryius was doubled-teamed most of the night and Julius Thomas was held to just two catches.
