San Diego Chargers’s Bad Luck Continues
It has been a woeful season for the Chargers simply put.
With talent full of veterans and youngsters, they were a sleeper playoff team in an open AFC West. Now 5 weeks into the season, they are bottom dwellers in the division.
The AFC West seemed open in the offseason, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders looking to overtake the crown after Denver’s reign of terror. But with Denver picking up right where they left off, there is no room for San Diego.
The Chargers season started off hot with a huge lead lover the division rival Chiefs. But when All-Star wide out Keenan Allen tore his ACL, everything went South. Alex Smith and Spencer Ware led the team to rally from a 17-point, 4th-quarter deficit to win the game in overtime.
This Week 1 loss perfectly represents San Diego’s season so far.
Injuries haunt the Chargers as Allen’s was only the beginning. All-purpose back Danny Woodhead injured his right knee and is out for the year. Linebacker Manti Te’o injured his Achilles and is lost for the season. Cornerback Jason Verrett partially tore his ACL, ending his season.
To add to the heartbreak, their four losses have come by a combined 14 points.
San Diego fans watched Indianapolis wide receiver TY Hilton break free after a missed tackle for a game-winning 64-yard touchdown with a 1:18 left in the game. The Colts won 26-22.
San Diego fans watched a 13 point lead with five minutes remaining evaporate into a one point loss against the New Orleans Saints.
And now, San Diego fans watched a fumbled snap for a game-tying field goal against the Oakland Raiders.
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In all four games, they had 4th-quarter leads. And in all four games, they had heart breaking defeats.
It is safe to say this will be another lost season for the franchise as the division is too competitive. Phillip River’s frustration echoed through the raucous Oakland stadium and it’s clear they are not a happy camp.
Do you blame the coach?
Do you blame the front office?
It’s all perception, but in the end of the day San Diego knows they could have been the second 5-0 squad next to Minnesota. The talent is here, but game management is not. And Lady Luck is not on their side.