For the second consecutive season and the fifth time in six years, the San Diego Chargers won’t be going to the playoffs. But unlike a few near misses since 2010, this has a different feel to it.
And it’s not a very pleasant sensation.
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Mike McCoy’s club, off a 9-7 showing in 2014, has barely shown up at times this season. Early in the year, the team was right in thick of things with a 2-2 record. A stirring comeback victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 1 was followed by losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings before the Chargers righted the ship with a home win over the Cleveland Browns.
Dec 13, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (55) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
But the Chargers have been anything but steady this season. Eight losses in their last 10 games, including six straight setbacks in the midst of that span, has this team in contention for a Top 10 draft pick rather than a postseason berth.
On Thursday night at Oakland, McCoy’s club will attempt to do something the team has failed to do all season – win a game versus an AFC West rival.
Of course, the Bolts have had problems beating just about anyone in 2015. At 4-10, the Chargers have lost at least 10 games for the first time since 2003. They are also 0-4 within the division and their offense for the most part was stifled severely in those contests. In both losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and the setback at Denver, McCoy’s club scored exactly three points.
In actuality, the issues within the division began a year ago when the team dropped its final two games to AFC West foes. But it was an eye-opening 37-29 home loss to the Oakland Raiders in Week 7 this season that was the shocker. The Bolts trailed 37-6 in the fourth quarter before making the final score somewhat respectable.
Nov 29, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) looks on from the bench during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The San Diego Chargers won 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
“It was sickening in how fast it happened,” said Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers after that game two months ago (courtesy of the Associated Press via USA Today Sports). “Shoot, it was 30-6 at halftime.”
“Nothing good happened after the first play, added McCoy. “It was poor all around. It’s pathetic. That first half was pathetic. No excuses it starts with me. Put it on me.”
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With only four wins in 14 games this season, a lot more than that loss may be pinned on McCoy. He is understandably on the hot seat when it comes to the play on the field. Last Sunday, the Chargers rolled the Miami Dolphins, 30-14, in what might have well been the team’s final game at San Diego – the franchise’s home since 1961.
Unfortunately, this is a club with a lot of flaws and even Rivers, who’s thrown for 4,287 yards and 26 scores but has committed 14 turnovers, hasn’t been immune to shaky play. San Diego ranks dead last in the league in rushing and their defense is 19th overall, including a disappointing 24th against the run.
A pedestrian pass rush has produced only 27 sacks this season and the Bolts have forced a mere 14 turnovers in as many games.
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Now the Chargers will look to end the season on pair of high notes by winning at Oakland and at Denver. Somehow it’s only fitting that this team is on road the last two weeks considering next offseason it could be on the move.
In any case, the franchise is in need of some help on the field as well.