LA Chargers: Five keys to beating the Broncos

DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass against Shelby Harris #96 (not pictured) of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

5. Draw up some plays for Donald Parham

Hunter Henry landed on the COVID-19/Reserve list and is almost certain to miss the game. That puts the Chargers in a tough position, but it’s always next man up with this team.

Donald Parham isn’t a bad next man up at tight ends. His usage hasn’t been high but he’s been highly efficient when he does catch the ball. Multiple touchdowns on the year and fighting for yards against the Patriots are some of the moments Chargers fans remember.

Use his size and speed to your advantage. We are talking about a 6’8″ tight end that’s difficult to bring down with 4.5-4.6 speed. At the very least, make Denver account for him.

The Chargers not using more two tight end sets with Parham has frustrated me. With no Virgil Green it always felt like they were just voluntarily choosing to only play Henry outside of one or two Parham snaps per game. Parham isn’t the greatest blocker, but he’s fine. His route running and athleticism are more than fundamentally sound.

Next. Getting to know the Denver Broncos before the rematch

See what you have in Parham before the offseason. Building a Ertz-Goedert dynamic with him and Henry for next year could be really promising. If Parham shows enough on the field, Tom Telesco may not even have to draft a tight end.