Another week, another heartbreaking loss for the LA Chargers as they fall to the Denver Broncos 30-31.
After another loss, many fans are calling for some changes within the LA Chargers organization. Below are some common overreactions, ranging from organizational changes to playoff implications of the loss.
Overreaction #1: It is time to find a new defensive coordinator and consider a change at head coach
With another blown lead and facing a 2-5 record, many fans are ready for major changes to the coaching staff, starting with the defensive coordinator and head coach.
First, let’s start with the defensive coordinator. In Week 1 and 2, Gus Bradley’s defense looked excellent. A few injuries and poor weeks later, and the Chargers defense looks like one of the worst in the league.
In the past four weeks, the Los Angeles Chargers have not allowed less than 29 points to an offense, including games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and a New Orleans Saints team that was missing Michael Thomas.
Perhaps the most important part of this is that these points have generally come late in games. The defense has frequently been gashed when they are in obvious passing situations, which should be a time for a defense to excel due to the one-dimensional aspect of the game.
Some have used the excuse that Bradley has been missing his key playmakers in recent weeks, including time missed by Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Justin Jones, and Chris Harris.
While these injuries certainly hurt the defense, there is no excuse for being consistently beaten when the opposing unit is forced to pass.
Gus Bradley should be smart enough to know that he needs to change from his Cover 3 scheme late in games if it is not working. He needs to alternate coverages and try unique blitzes to get pressure on the quarterback.
Similarly, Anthony Lynn has had a bit of trouble adjusting his gameplan and strategy throughout games to put full games together and get wins. His lack of growth in this department is becoming an increasingly large concern.
At 2-5, the Chargers are in hot water but are not necessarily out of the playoffs just yet. Anthony Lynn has proven in the past (2018) that he is capable of leading a talented team back from major deficits towards the playoffs. While his lack of development as a coach is concerning, he is capable of keeping the team focused on seeking what still lies ahead.
The same upside, however, cannot be found for Gus Bradley. After so many blown leads by the defense, it is clear that he does not have a plan or adjustment that he can make to solve this issue.
For this reason, it is time to find a new defensive coordinator while considering the future of Anthony Lynn.
Verdict #1: Not an overreaction