I don't for one second claim to have the cred to post a Metallica quote, FAITHFUL READER. However, I was actually at this show almost 20 years ago...This was the only time the Post-Jerry Dead played this and it wasn't a great show. However, it rings true today. It sort of applied to the Chargers that year until they got a home playoff game. It's been a nice bye since the Raiders game. I will never apologize for celebrating a win against them, but we know why it was troubling. For the fourth week in a row this team had a lead and then got in their own way. Herbert got his finger broken and they barely hung on. I had no problem once again with Staley trying to close out the game and this time he even tried to sneak. But it still didn't work.
I know that I am so used to the Chargers being good but not good enough that it shapes how I watch, how I root, and how I write.
It's been since that 2004 season that "Chargering" has been a thing. We have had quarterbacks that any other team would kill for. However, we've always come up short in the big spots. I won't rehash it for you. However, even when we don't play I know what other teams are up to. I find myself getting sucked into what other fanbases are experiencing and get jealous. I can say I'd rather be terrible every year than be close but not close enough. That's what we know. I saw these two posts on Bleacher Report today and felt like it spoke to where I was at.
The reason we are pissed off is that Staley has been coach since 2021 and it doesn't seem that he's grown at all. I don't mind the 4th down calls at this point, though that's what the pundits point to. It's just that it's exhausting to watch a team with a generational talent have to try not to lose to itself each week.
However, I also know that I need accept this team for what they are. If they could make it easier to enjoy the ride that would be great.
It would appear that they are all healthy heading into the game. Palmer somehow got a hamstring during the bye week but unless it's like Keenan Allen extending his injury stay I guess it's an improvement.
Doss being elevated from the practice squad? What has that guy done to deserve a roster spot? You'd think trading for Hunter Henry at this point wouldn't be such a tough call. I am sure he'd be happy to play with Herbert again.
The 5th week bye seems to have worked out since Ekeler it appears will be ready to play. This team has a bunch of tough games coming up. It's not reasonable to expect a win each week, but something to believe in would be nice.
It's not as tough to make the playoffs as the Chargers make it seem but there are only a handful of teams who contend for a Super Bowl championship. I don't blame the collective football world for being sick of the Chargers letting them down. No one feels that way more than us. No matter the injuries, it would only take a little confidence-inspiring win for people to say "Maybe, this is the year they finally put it together."
I know there will be several OH NO moments tonight. But just don't make those of your own doing. It's all about what you do once you meet with adversity.
Never cared for what they say
Never cared for games they play
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know...
Better Bolt Up.
JIC,
RLW
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