You could find a lot of ways to describe the situation facing the Denver Broncos after their fourth consecutive loss, but the Longmont Times-Call doesn’t mince any words, saying the team is in dire straits, a sentiment that’s hard to argue against.

The Broncos’ 32-3 loss to the San Diego Chargers yesterday at Invesco Field at Mile High was beyond embarrassing. A fumble by Knowshon Moreno killed most hope for the day and resulted in a heated pushing match between Moreno and wide receiver Brandon Marshall on the sidelines, notes The Denver Post (free registration required).

The Broncos lost more than their fourth consecutive game and the confidence of an entire fan base yesterday; they lost the division lead, which they held by more than three games less than a month ago. Sports Illustrated calls the one-game lead San Diego holds in the division an optical illusion, writing that the teams are “light years” apart. The one positive may be that the Broncos don’t have time to fester in their own self doubt.

The New York Giants will be in town Thursday night for the Thanksgiving game, despite the team’s owners’ complaints that it’s unfair for his team to travel two time zones on a short week (via New York Daily News). The Giants are good but have been on their own slide of late, although they managed to win a game yesterday.