Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was knocked down by a San Diego Chargers player during the second quarter of their game. He was then carted off the field.
On Sunday afternoon, Phillips was rocked on the sideline by a player trying to make a tackle. Luckily, according to CBS, Phillips is alert and moving all parts of his body despite taking such a wicked shot. He’s been taken to a hospital, but early signs are that we may have avoided something truly awful.
Thoughts and prayers with those close to Denver coordinator Wade Phillips, who collapsed after taking a vicious hit on the sidelines...
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 30, 2016
Wade Phillips, a 69 year old man, took a full body hit with less whining than Tyrell Williams tripping himself . #Chargers suck.
— Mike Tenango (@miketee182) October 30, 2016
Wade Phillips 1 tough son of Bum. Hope he lives up to legacy after scary hit Wade missed only 2 weeks after 2011 kidney, gallbladder surgery
— Jim Corbett (@ByJimCorbett) October 30, 2016
Without Phillips on the sideline, it will be intriguing to see if the Broncos play the same kind of defense we are used to seeing. Denver is trying to earn a season split with the Chargers, after losing to them on Thursday night in Week 6.
Next: 2016 NFL season: Record predictions for all 32 teams
Right now, the Broncos are hoping to move to 6-2 on the season, keeping them tied with the Oakland Raiders for first place in the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs would also be a half-game back but tied in the loss column.
Denver has had all kinds of problems keeping coaches healthy this season. Last time the Broncos played the Chargers, head coach Gary Kubiak didn’t make the trip because of complex migranes.
