Chargers have to face music
There has been the prevailing notion over the past few seasons that the Los Angeles Chargers (and then San Diego Chargers0 have been unlucky. To an extent, that’s true.
The Chargers have been one of the more injury-riddle teams in the league since the start of the 2015 season. Since then, the team has played long stretches without Corey Liuget, Jason Verrett, Keenan Allen, Denzel Perryman, Danny Woodhead, Melvin Gordon and others. It’s been a mess, and one that has left the team 9-25 over its past 34 regular-season games.
This season, the Chargers have twice had an opportunity to either force overtime or outright win a contest in the final seconds, needing only a field goal to accomplish that goal. Instead, one kick was blocked while another sailed wide right, leaving Los Angeles both 0-2 and in last place of the brutal AFC West.
Ultimately, the idea that the Chargers are unlucky is only true in terms of injury. The rest of come down to design and execution. It wasn’t unlucky that Younghoe Koo missed his kicks. Too was kept on the roster after winning a training camp battle with veteran Josh Lambo. Maybe Lambo should have been kept, or maybe the coaching staff should have done a better job with coaching up the blocking schemes.
Offensively, the Chargers have scored 38 points in two games. When you have talent on the level of Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, Allen and Gordon, there’s no excuse not to be one of the more prolific teams in the NFL. While it’s true the offensive line isn’t good, a useful and resourceful staff learns how to scheme around it while forcing the team’s positives to the light.
Los Angeles isn’t unlucky on defense, either. Against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the Chargers he’d a 17-10 lead late in the second half, only to see Jay Cutler rally his troops for three field goals. It’s not fair to blame the defense for allowing 19 points in this age, but it’s fair to say the unit has to stiffen late in the game with a lead to protect.
It might sound harsh, but that’s what winning teams do. The Chargers haven’t been able to close the deal in years, especially in close games down the stretch. Since the start of the 2015 season, Los Angeles has a record of 4-18 in games decided by seven points of less. In other terms, the Chargers have played 34 games in that span and seen 22 of them within the margin of a touchdown. They simply can’t close.
Winning teams find ways to overcome injuries. They make big plays in critical moments. The Chargers have exhibited none of those qualities in recent years.
Blaming bad luck is the siren of a loser.
