Chargers won’t win until they find an emotional edge

The Chargers are better when they have their heart in the game. So far, it doesn’t look like the team is emotionally ready for four quarters.

Last year, the Chargers had something to fight for in Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Seattle, and Baltimore. They were the underdogs, and in two of those games, they were trailing, which gave them the emotional edge they needed to win.

This year, the Chargers have been picked by most to win every game they’ve played. The result: 2-3, with two of them embarrassing home losses with a chance to win in the fourth quarter.

Why haven’t they figured out how to win every game?

One can point to coaching, injuries, penalties, and turnovers, and they’d be absolutely correct in doing so. All four of those factors limit what the Chargers can do every Sunday, and it’s led to three losses.

But this team is missing something they’ve lacked since the Wild Card game last year: Passion.

Sure, the team celebrates when there’s a big score or a key sack, but as an observing fan, something just seems off when watching the Chargers play.

It’s due in part to the players that are missing, which include an outspoken Pro-Bowl left tackle, an All-Pro safety with confidence in excess, and a Pro-Bowl strong safety/special teams standout who has done nothing but overcome adversity since entering the league.

Where can the team find this spark? They better find one quickly, because a really angry 1-4  Steelers team arrives this weekend seeking revenge for a home loss last year. The Chargers have the talent to beat a team on its third-string quarterback, but if they play flat for four quarters, the visiting team will sneak out with a win.