OPINION: What Is Wrong With the Chargers?
Photo Credit: Matt York, AP
The Chargers have officially become the first team in the history of the NFL to score 50 or more points without any turnovers in their first two games of the season while simultaneously starting 0-2. The question is: Why? How have the Chargers, who have either dominated or at least have been competitive in six out of the eight quarters they have played, continuously lost? This article hopes to answer that question while also giving possible hope and potential doom for the future of the season.
Let’s start with the obvious. The defense is struggling, particularly the pass defense. In their last four games, the Chargers have scored 28, 30, 34, and 24 points, respectively. The problem is they have given up 31, 31, 36, and 27 points to their opponents. Their previous game in Week 2 versus the Tennessee Titans was no different.
Here’s the deal. The issues on the defensive end for the Chargers are not an issue of talent. With a backfield loaded with the likes of safety Derwin James and corners Asante Samuel Jr. and J.C. Jackson, the pass defense should be much stronger than it is. Add to that the fact that you have Joey Bosa on one side of the defensive line and Khalil Mack on the other, and you should have one of the best pass rush duos in the league. Between defensive backs that should be able to cover anyone in man-on-man coverage and edge rushers that should not even be giving quarterbacks time to pass, it is hard to fathom why the pass game is having so much success. The defensive tackles are slim in depth and the linebackers are nothing special, but even without the presence of Eric Kendricks, the run defense has done everything they need to do, as seen above.
Despite the defensive woes this season, the Chargers have still found themselves in a position to win both of their previous games. The offense, having averaged 29 PPG, has given them the ability to win both games this season. Until they haven’t. The offense has been spotty, especially in the latter half of games. The absence of Ekeler against the Titans certainly hurt, but when the offense cannot play complimentary football, it allows opponents to close the gap and take the lead. Close out strategies, including 3rd down conversions and clock management in the 4th quarter has been awful this season. With the weapons they have, this should not be an issue.
Ultimately, the issues the Chargers have faced boil down to the coaches. With the defensive weapons they have, along with Herbert, Ekeler, Allen and Williams on the other side of the ball, there is no reason the team should be struggling as much as they are. The defense has been incredibly undisciplined, and the offense has not played complimentary football and has made some baffling decisions. With the level of talent the Chargers have, the blame rests on the coaching staff for being unable to prepare them. Brandon Staley, the Chargers head coach, will be facing the hot seat very soon, if he is not already. This team has the capability to be very good, but until the coaching staff prepares them for success, they will not be.
The Chargers lost in Week 1 to the Dolphins in a game they had every chance to win. They lost in Week 2 to the Titans in a game they should not have lost. Now, facing Week 3, the Los Angeles Chargers have the chance to set the season right. If their coaches can address the issues at be, expect a positive outcome against the Minnesota Vikings, a win that could possibly propel this talented team to a future playoff berth. But if things remain the same, expect the Vikings’ strong pass attack to continue to exploit the Chargers’ struggling pass defense while the offense fails to score enough points to put the game away.
