Broncos vs. Chargers: 3 takeaways from Denver's 23-16 loss

The Broncos fell to the Chargers, 23-16, on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 6 of the NFL season.

Here are three takeaways from the home loss:

Surtain concussion

Cornerback Pat Surtain was ruled out with a concussion early in the game defending a pass intended for Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey. Surtain’s helmet bounced off the grass making the play. He was replaced by cornerback Levi Wallace. It hardly masked Surtain’s absence, though, with Los Angeles pulling ahead 13-0 in the first quarter. Surtain is unlikely to be available in Week 7 on Thursday night at the Saints with a short week to pass NFL concussion protocols. The entire complexion of the Broncos defense changes without their All-Pro cornerback locking down one side of the field.

Lifeless start

Another game. Another lifeless start from Denver's offense. The Broncos, in six games this season, have been shut out three times in the first half. They trailed 20-0 on Sunday with rookie quarterback Bo Nix struggling to move the offense. He went 3-of-10 for 22 yards with one interception in the first half for a passer rating of 0.0. Nix turned things around a bit in the second half. Late touchdown passes to wide receivers Troy Franklin and Courtland Sutton prevented a shutout. But it was too little, too late for a Broncos team still learning how to start fast consistently.

Williams struggles

Running back Javonte Williams had a game to forget with mistakes and a lack of production against the Chargers. He lost a fumble in the second quarter in Los Angeles territory and later mishandled an incomplete screen pass. Williams burst for his longest run of 13 yards. But his remaining five carries totaled only 10 rushing yards. The Chargers dominated time of possession, and it hampered Denver’s ability to generate offensive rhythm until the fourth quarter. Yet Williams must improve to give the Broncos offense the balance it desperately needs. Nix shouldn’t be their leading rusher.