Chargers Editorial: Is this Really the End of the San Diego Chargers?
It never ends for the San Diego Chargers as they found a new way to lose a game this horrible 2015 season. The Christmas Eve debacle was yet another example of how this team can rip your heart out and stomp on it. What can be said about the tragic season? The team just cannot catch any sort of break.
Injuries again are a common theme as the team has failed to stay healthy virtually all season long. Both Jason Verrett and Eric Weddle (who were hurt Thursday) could have made the difference as the Chargers defense failed to hold the Raiders from scoring when the game was on the line. The team had to rely on Dontrelle Inman as a safety in the final minutes of the game.
Philip Rivers has performed well, but time and time again has been pressured by opposing teams pass rushers. It has been another common theme all season long. The offensive line has had injuries to every player. D.J. Fluker, Orlando Franklin and King Dunlap were supposed to anchor the line but each has missed time and none of the trio have been fully healthy all year long.
Keenan Allen was lost for the year with a lacerated kidney after making one of the best catches of the year against the Baltimore Ravens. Antonio Gates started the season suspended for PED use and Ladarius Green was banged up the whole season. The experiment of Jacoby Jones at punt returner was a miserable failure and Steven Johnson has been banged up all season long too. I don’t know what is in the water at the Chargers facility, but don’t drink it.
Malcom Floyd almost had to end his season early, but he successfully returned from a shoulder injury. Sunday’s game against the Broncos will be his last game as a professional. The emotions will surely be running high for he and his teammates. Hopefully Philip Rivers will have one last chance to hit #80 on a touchdown pass. That would be a nice way to go out.
The running back corp has stayed healthy most of the season all though rookie running back Melvin Gordon is lost for the year with a knee injury. Danny Woodhead returned to his dominant form and was arguably the teams best running back. Branden Oliver contributed before going down with an injury and Donald Brown came out of nowhere to have some productive games recently for the Chargers.
This game against the Broncos could very well be the last game in the history of the San Diego Chargers. That is a very sobering fact. Even in writing that statement it gives me chills. We do not know what the fate of the team is just yet, but it is certain the team will need a miracle of some sort.
There are few positives to this season but one for certain is the play of Jason Verrett. He has really emerged as a defensive force and should be considered one of the top defensive backs by the mainstream media very soon. Philip Rivers has also defied the aging process and continues to orchestrate his offense with grace. If the Chargers can find a healthy unit to block for him they will be set for at least another few seasons.
Melvin Gordon is not a fit for the Chargers current running style. Their zone blocking offensive line scheme is not conducive to his power running style. The team either needs to change their run blocking scheme and factor in a full back or move on from Gordon. With a high draft pick the Chargers have the ability to fix their issues to some degree via the draft.
No matter what happens over the next few weeks, the San Diego Chargers will always hold a special place in my heart. Despite what the ownership group has done they can never take the memories from me. The future of this franchise is in serious doubt, but no matter what the outcome is the Chargers will always be San Diego’s team.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.