My San Diego Chargers have started the season with a 1-4 record. Usually, fans can be optimistic towards their team when starting off the season slow. They believe they still have a chance to turn things around and have a somewhat productive season. But not me; my Chargers are no longer super. I want to have faith in the Chargers but based on their play, I have no reason to.
Philip Rivers is not the problem! Many people believe that San Diego's franchise quarterback has been the reason for their recent struggles and demise this year. Despite the Chargers 1-4 record Rivers has been flat out balling. This year alone he already has 1,110 passing yards, seven touchdowns, one interception and a 104.5 passer rating. That's incredible for a guy who has little to no help. He is the reason the Chargers are still relevant. The Pro Bowl quarterback is a very loyal person and he seems to be going down with the ship. Would I love to see him compete for a championship? Yes, but with his no trade clause in his contract, Rivers isn't going anywhere.
The Chargers have been infected by the injury bug this season. Even though injuries a part of football and its considered the way of life, it's a valid reason the Chargers have been pretty bad. Let's go through the list of major injuries to key players the have dealt with the season.
We just have really bad luck. Torn Achilles here and another Torn ACL their. To make matters worse, the Chargers first round draft pick Joey Bosa has yet to play because of a hamstring injury.
But the main reason why the Chargers have been a disappointment so far is because they "cannot finish." Against the Cheifs, Colts and Saints they have lead by a touchdown or more through the first three quarters of each game. Guess what? They lost all three of them.
One of my favorites movies of all time is " Remember The Titans" starring Denzel Washington. One of the greatest quotes in the movie was said by the character " Big Ju". He said "attitude reflects leadership." The Chargers seem to lack a winning attitude. We have to look at the leader, which is head coach Mike McCoy. McCoy is not putting his team in good situations to win. He tends to become very conservative when the Chargers have a lead. He starts running the ball more and trying to run the clock. This is when the team starts to make mistakes. I've noticed that San Diego is very good in the first three quarters. Why is that? They place with pace and rhythm. Which is why they are third in the NFL in points per game with 30.3. But they give up the most points in the fourth quarter and score the least of their points in the fourth quarter as well. If it's not broke don't fix it. Coach McCoy should leave the conversative approach at home. He has a elite quarterback and statisticall high powered offense. Why mess that up when your up by a touchdown or two. Keep scoring and put pressure on the opposition until the clock hits zero.
I love my team, whether they win or lose. But I tend to get frustrated because I see the potential. We could easily be 4-0, even with the injuries the Chargers have suffered. Changes need to come soon if this losing trend of heartbreaking fashion becomes the norm. Chargers are getting a reputation as the team that chokes the most. I want that persona to change. It shows how good the Chargers can be when the opponent doesn't beat them but they beat themselves. With a 1-4 start to the season, things don't seem to be going well. Hopefully the Chargers can obtain a winning attiutude and play every game with the mindset of trying to win instead of trying to lose.
