Broncos vs. Chargers score: Denver scores 35 in a row, picks up a win in San Diego

Broncos, Chargers make NFL history in the best and worst ways

Monday night, the Broncos headed into halftime trailing 24-0. Thanks to Peyton Manning's second-half brilliance and Philip Rivers absolutely imploding, Denver ended up with an unbelievable 35-24 win. Let's crunch some numbers.

Broncos vs. Chargers, Week 6: Denver fans ecstatic over Peyton Manning-led comeback

The Denver Broncos scored 35 unanswered points to erase a 24-0 deficit and beat the San Diego Chargers 35-24.

Broncos fans were in quite an elated mood after the victory. KaptainKirk had this to say in his postgame recap.

I don't know about you, but I am too excited to sleep and also too emotionally worn out. You know we were all thinking it would be a long two weeks to deal with a loss this week, but the new Cardiac kids showed us how much heart they have. The Broncos have the lead in the AFC West division by virtue of owning the tie breaker with the San Diego Chargers, the team they just emotionally devastated 35-24 after being down 24-0 at halftime. This was the worst Special Teams performance of the young season by far and it looked like the Broncos would self destruct. This was a huge win for our team boys and girls. We are still undefeated in the division and beat two of our rivals so far.

Peyton Manning and the Denver defense did their parts. After throwing a costly interception in the first half, Manning conducted an almost perfect second half, completing 13 of 14 passes for 167 yards, including three touchdown passes. Manning found Demaryius Thomas for a 29 yard touchdown catch, Eric Decker for a seven yard score, and then connected with Brandon Stokley on the go-ahead touchdown.

The Broncos defense was just as important as Manning, perhaps even more so, as they made life miserable for Philip Rivers. Elvis Dumervil forced two fumbles. Mike Adams forced and recovered a fumble. Tony Carter recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass. Jim Leonhard had a pick of his own. Chris Harris had two interceptions, returning one for a game-clinching touchdown.

Broncos vs. Chargers, Week 6: San Diego fans stunned by epic collapse

The San Diego Chargers had to be pretty displeased in blowing a 24-point halftime lead to the Denver Broncos, as Philip Rivers was responsible for four interceptions and two turnovers.

Broncos vs. Chargers game recap: Denver completes historic comeback, beats San Diego, 35-24

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos scored 35 unanswered points in a wild 35-24 comeback victory over the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football.

It was the tale of two teams, each playing two different halves. In the first half, it was all San Diego all the time. They quickly built a 17-0 lead as the Broncos' special teams fumbled away two returns and Quentin Jammer returned a Peyton Manning interception for a touchdown.

Philip Rivers connected with tight end Antonio Gates twice in the half as they built a 24-0 lead going into half. It was the 50th and 51st career touchdown connection between Rivers and Gates. Gates finished the game with six receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

But then the second half started up. Peyton Manning and the rest of the Denver Broncos went from embarrassing themselves on national TV to embarrassing the San Diego Chargers.

Manning connected with Demaryius Thomas on the opening drive of the half to finally put the Broncos on the board. Then the wheels started to come off of the Chargers.

Rivers was harried under pressure and fumbled the ball away as he went to throw. Cornerback Tony Carter picked up the ball and ran it back 65 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 24-14.

It then became Peyton Manning's time to shine.

Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

He connected with Eric Decker and Brandon Stokley for fourth-quarter touchdowns to take the lead at 28-24, throwing 13 straight completions in the process. Decker finished the night with six receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Rivers responded by driving the ball back down the field, connecting with Gates on multiple completions. But, finally, the pressure of the 28 unanswered points became too much and Rivers threw his fourth interception of the night to Chris Harris, who returned it for a touchdown to make it 35 straight points (after the extra point) for the Broncos.

Manning finished the night with 309 yards, an interception and three touchdowns as he brought his team back from the dead. Manning threw only one incomplete pass in the second half.

The Broncos tied the largest comeback in Monday Night Football history, and the Broncos' defense was just as key as Manning. The defense held the Chargers to 134 total yards in the second half and forced a turnover on five of their six second-half drives.

What is Peyton Manning saying here?

Can anyone figure it out? Please let us know your best guess.

Phillip Rivers' 4th interception is the worst one

The Chargers QB was responsible for five turnovers.

Philip Rivers is confused after his third interception

And fourth turnover overall.

Broncos vs. Chargers: Peyton Manning wills Broncos to lead

The Denver Broncos have taken the lead in a wild Monday Night Football game.

Philip Rivers' fumble, TD return by Broncos is a game changer

A big swing in the game.

Broncos vs. Chargers: Manning and company finally get on the board

Peyton Manning connected with Demaryius Thomas to get the Broncos first points of the game.

Manningface

Don't look directly into his eyes.

Broncos vs. Chargers: Eric Decker trips over himself, costs team a touchdown

A couple of Broncos miscues cost them a touchdown.

Broncos vs. Chargers: Jim Leonhard yanks the ball away from Antonio Gates

The Broncos safety came up with an interception.

Broncos vs. Chargers: Little Mike Adams picks fight with big Antonio Gates

Denver Broncos safety Mike Adams took exception to Antonio Gates garnering a first down and thought the best way was to get in a little tussle with a man much larger than him.

Adams, the featherweight, weighs in at an even 200 pounds. Gates, the heavyweight, weighs in at a little heavier 255 pounds. Gates pretty obviously came away unscathed. Adams, on the other hand, has a slightly scuffed helmet now.

Broncos vs. Chargers: Yes, Antonio Gates, this is pass interference

The Chargers tight end drilled a Broncos defender.

Broncos vs. Chargers: Denver special teams fumbles making it easy for San Diego

The Broncos have fumbled a punt and a kickoff in the first six minutes of the game.

NFL inactive list, Week 6: Broncos vs. Chargers

The Broncos will be without a starting cornerback, but will have services of leading receiver Thomas.

Eric Decker: Broncos need a fast start against Chargers

Denver Broncos receiver Eric Decker says that eliminating mistakes will help his team get off to better starts.

Broncos vs. Chargers: Game time, TV schedule, odds and more

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