Broncos' ground game improving

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Recent weeks have allowed the Denver Broncos to inch up the league's rushing rankings. With an average of 174.5 yards the last two weeks and 127.5 yards since the Week 6 win over Cleveland, the Broncos have quietly built one of the league's more effective ground games.

Going into Sunday's game, the offensive linemen and running backs lamented the lack of consistency in the team's ground production. But the last two weeks show that might be changing.

It probably isn't a coincidence that the improvement has dovetailed with Brock Osweiler's time at quarterback -- and the increased emphasis on under-center formations after leaning heavily on the shotgun and pistol formations. Although the Broncos had some productive ground games earlier in the season, the last two weeks have been by far their most successful, and have come in spite of injuries to both starting guards.

"We're just continuing to work on our techniques," left tackle Ryan Harris said. "Our coaches continue to coach us tough -- even in the wins we've had to continue to get better and to press. We've got two great backs. We know that if we continue to work, there is going to be big things. We can really help our team win if we can establish a running game in every game we play."

Harris delivered the key block on Anderson's 48-yard overtime scamper. Rookie guard Max Garcia has also helped, filling in for both Evan Mathis and Louis Vasquez.

--Perhaps the biggest issue the Broncos will have as they prepare to face the Chargers next Sunday is ensuring they remain focused.

At 3-8, the Chargers have the worst record -- by two full games -- of any foe left on the Broncos' schedule. In the Chargers' last two division games, they lost 33-3 to the Chiefs and fell behind 37-6 to the Raiders before rallying with 23 fourth-quarter points to make the final score respectable.

Rumors of relocation circle the Chargers. Injuries have shredded their lineup. Perhaps half of Qualcomm Stadium will be filled with Broncos fans. This is the kind of matchup a team could overlook if it's not careful -- especially with three playoff contenders -- the Raiders, Steelers and Bengals -- lurking around the corner.

"Looking ahead doesn't help you win next week," left tackle Ryan Harris said. "We've done a good job, I think, of playing week-to-week, focusing on the task at hand, whether it's a big win or a loss. We've been focused on the next week."

Notes: Nose tackle Sylvester Williams suffered a sprained ankle late in the first quarter on a collision. He was on crutches in the locker room after the game and could miss at least a week or two. ... Safety T.J. Ward sprained his ankle on the same play as Sylvester Williams. He received treatment Monday. He was on crutches and in a walking boot in the locker room after the game. ... Right guard Louis Vasquez left Sunday's game with a groin injury. He is considered day-to-day. He was replaced by Max Garcia, who shifted over from left guard, where he had been filling in for the injured Evan Mathis. ... Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware has not practiced since reinjuring his back against the Colts on Nov. 8, but worked with a strength and conditioning coach during practice last week. The Broncos hope to get him back for practice beginning Wednesday.

Left guard Evan Mathis was forced into the lineup Sunday because of Vasquez's injury. Head coach Gary Kubiak hoped to give Mathis a week to rest because of his ankle injury, but was forced to use him. He didn't make the injury worse and is expected to play in San Diego. ... Defensive lineman Vance Walker played after missing the previous game with a shoulder injury and was forced into extensive action after Williams suffered his ankle injury. Walker had a sack, his first of the season.