What's Wrong With the Chargers?(Part 1)

Everyone knows that the Chargers have never really seemed like themselves this season. One part always seemed to be missing for whatever reason and the team suffered through some absolutely horrendous looking games. Here are my reasons for why they haven't seemed themselves.

• Stephen Coopers suspension/Shawne Merriman's injury Shawne Merriman's injury immediatly took away a dangerous factor of the Charger's defense that would always have to be accounted for, and with him out the pressure was shifted down the ladder to Shaun Philips and while Stephen's suspension was only 4 games, the turnover it caused in the middle of the defense was harmful to the overall stability of the team. While he was out the half blind Derek Smith took his spot, and didn't have the athleticism to effectively blitz the quarterback or cover well enough. During this time, Matt Wilhelm suffered from a continuous bout of poor play possibly due to lack of support or just bad attitude. These factors were enough that it took the team a while to recover as well as adapt to a new coaching scheme that equaled a very poor defensive performance.


• Offensive Line The uncharacteristically poor play of the offensive line has come at the worst time. Coupled with LT's toe injury, the running game has severely suffered and it is just out of respect to LT just being there that the passing game has been able to survive. Marcus McNeil has not played as the Pro Bowler he is, and Mike Goff's age has now become a factor. The offensive line should be an important issue come draft time.


• Just Bad Luck Whether it's a hand an inch away from deflecting a pass in the endzone with time expiring, to an erroneous call from the referee to give the opposing team a chance to score, the Chargers have been on the wrong side of almost every split decision this season .Credit has to go to the offense for keeping the games close, but most often it was the defense that couldnt close the deal. Examples include both the Colts and Chiefs games were the offense put the Chargers in the lead with minutes left but the defense then allowed both teams to drive down the field for scores. The Chargers could get some form of redemption on Sunday, but the fact remains though, the Chargers could be 12-4 if not for all the bad luck they've had. (Part 2 soon)