INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Here’s a look at which stocks improved or declined following the Broncos’ 34-27 loss to the Chargers on Thursday at SoFi Stadium.

Store

OLB Dondrea Tillman: Denver’s freshman edge rusher continued to be an intriguing story for the Broncos this season. Tillman, who signed in the offseason after playing for the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League, recorded his fourth sack of the season by beating quarterback Justin Herbert for a 10-yard loss in the third quarter. Although Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen and Jonathon Cooper were the driving forces behind one of the league’s best passing units, Tillman’s impact should not be overlooked. He totaled 19 pressures in 10 games, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.

Safety Brandon Jones: The Broncos starting safety had another strong performance. Jones made 10 tackles and forced an incompletion in the third quarter after hitting wide receiver Josh Palmer to disrupt Herbert’s pass attempt. The former Dolphin has recorded 101 tackles and three interceptions in 2024. He is the first Broncos safety since Hall of Famer Steve Atwater in 1995 to record at least 100 tackles and three interceptions in a season.

RB Audric Estimate: Denver’s rookie running back showed once again why he deserves more carries. Estime had one touchdown and averaged 5.3 yards on nine carries against the Chargers. He also had a success rate (percentage of runs resulting in a positive EPA) of 55.6%, according to Next Gen Stats.

LB Drew Sanders: The second-year linebacker made his first defensive snap of the season count. With 7:26 left in the fourth round, the third-round pick outran the Los Angeles offensive line on a blitz and sacked Justin Herbert for an 11-yard loss. The game was even more impressive considering Sanders tore his Achilles tendon in the spring.

Stock falling

ILB Justin Strnad: The Denver inside linebacker had a performance to forget. In addition to being flagged for a late hit on Justin Herbert in the third quarterStrnad was picked apart in coverage. He allowed seven catches for 103 yards on eight targets as the closest defender against the Chargers, according to Next Gen Stats. Even if the late flag was ticking, it’s not enough.

Denver’s pass rush: Outside of sacks by Drew Sanders and Dondrea Tillman, Los Angeles’ offensive line had the upper hand against Denver’s pass rush. The Broncos had 13 pressures against the Chargers. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto has been silenced after two straight weeks in the national spotlight. Bonitto had pass pressure on 21 snaps. He was lined up against Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater for much of the game and couldn’t do anything. Slater gave up a 5.6% pressure rate in 18 games against Denver’s third-year rusher.