Saubert’s long wait for first TD over
Broncos tight end Eric Saubert knows his job description: Block, block a lot, block some more and catch the occasional pass. In 50 career games entering Sunday, he had 17 catches for 131 yards and no touchdowns.
But Saubert finally got on the score sheet in Sunday’s 28-13 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, catching a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to extend the Broncos’ lead to 14 points with 8:54 remaining.
“It felt great,” Saubert said. “It was a long time coming and something I had thought about a lot and for it to come to fruition, especially at a moment like that, was pretty cool.”
The play came on third-and-goal. Saubert was covered by safety Nasir Adderley and ran his route to the left. Bridgewater stiff-armed the Chargers’ Joey Bosa to buy more time and Saubert worked back right to get open. The pass may have been intended for tight end Noah Fant, who was wide open along the end line, but Saubert made the sliding catch.
After being mobbed by his teammates, Saubert delivered a thundering spike of the football.
“He’s been a great pickup for our team,” coach Vic Fangio said. “He’s one of those glue-type of guys. Hard worker. Does anything. Tough. Smart.”
Chubb returns. Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, activated off injured reserve Saturday, started against the Chargers in his first game since Week 2 at Jacksonville. Chubb wasn’t credited with a tackle, but making it through the game should set him up for a heavier workload at Kansas City.
“It was great to have him back,” Fangio said. “We love the guy, he’s a great player, I’m glad he got this under his belt and hopefully bigger and better things come along.”
When the Broncos took a 28-7 lead, Fangio said he told outside linebackers coach John Pagano to keep Chubb on the sideline for the final possession.
Harris sits out. Defensive end Shelby Harris was inactive for the first time this year after he injured his ankle during Thursday’s practice. The defensive line combined for 10 tackles and held Chargers running back Austin Ekeler to 31 yards on 12 carries.
“For us to do that without Shelby is kudos to the guys in there and kudos to (defensive line coach) Bill (Kollar) for having them ready,” Fangio said.
Footnotes. Receiving game balls for the win were Saubert, Bridgewater, cornerback Pat Surtain II and fill-in left tackle Quinn Bailey. … Safety Kareem Jackson (neck/ shoulder) and right tackle Bobby Massie (ankle) were inactive. Jackson missed his first game of the year and Massie his second. … The Broncos announced 9,568 no-shows on Sunday. … Fangio on facing protégé Brandon Staley, the Chargers’ firstyear coach: “I wish he was in another division so we wouldn’t have to do this twice a year.”