Broncos' Sanders snags 3 TDs in win over Chargers
Denver Broncos pigskin launcher Peyton Manning hooked up with Emmanuel Sanders for three touchdowns as the Denver Broncos outgunned the San Diego Chargers 35-21 in a spirited Thursday night affair.
- Manning, as usual, tore apart the defense, completing 25-of-35 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns. The surefire future Hall of Famer extended his passing touchdown streak to 46 straight games. It's the fourth longest streak of all-time.
- Sanders had the finest game of his career, racking up nine receptions for 120 yards and three touchdowns.
- The Broncos didn't miss Montee Ball in the backfield, with Ronnie Hillman rushing for 109 yards and Juwan Thompson adding another 24 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
- Aging Chargers tight end Antonio Gates punched the DeLorean to 88 miles per hour and traveled back in time, catching five passes for 54 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Gates, who was widely thought to be on the decline, now has nine touchdown receptions this season.
- Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers had a wildly inconsistent night, completing 30-of-41 passes for three touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. Rivers' second interception was of the game-crippling variety, coming with just under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
- Running back Branden Oliver wasn't able to jump start the Chargers rushing attack, collecting 36 yards on 13 carries, 23 of which came on the final play of the game.