The past couple of season have not been kind to the San Diego Chargers. At times it seems like the only player that can seem to stay healthy on the Chargers is Philip Rivers. Rivers still finds a way to put up solid numbers year after year with a rotating cast of different players. The former North Carolina State standout holds the All-time passing record for the San Diego Chargers, and has put together a strong case at possibly making the Hall of Fame when he retires. However, the last few seasons have not been kind to Rivers as he gets closer and closer to the end of his career. At times it appears that the San Diego Chargers cannot catch a break.
The San Diego Chargers Cannot Catch a Break
The first game of the 2016 season started rough for the Chargers. They blew a 24-3 lead to the Kansas City Chiefs and in the process lost their number one receiver. Keenan Allen had six catches for 63 yards on that September day. The former California standout tore his ACL in the game and hopes to be ready for the 2017 season. Ever since the first game it seems like more and more Chargers are dropping with injuries.
Enter Melvin Gordon
Melvin Gordon had a mediocre year in his rookie season. Gordon was selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. The former Wisconsin Badger only rushed for 641 yards in 2015 and not a single touchdown. This season was different for Gordon though as he has scored 10 touchdowns and rushed for 997 yards so far. There is hope though that he will break the 1,000 yard mark since he’s only listed as questionable for the Chargers next game. The former first-rounder was sidelined with a hip injury against the Carolina Panthers in last week’s loss. There are mixed reports of Gordon being day to day or week to week. Only time will tell.
Top Draft Pick Joey Bosa
Joey Bosa has been playing pretty well for the Chargers since he ended his holdout. San Diego has needed a pass rusher like Bosa to help compete in a tough AFC West. The AFC West is loaded with pass rushers including Von Miller, Khalil Mack, and Justin Houston. Bosa and Melvin Ingram help the Southern California team compete and get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Those two have combined for a total of 12.5 sacks in 2016. However, Bosa left the game against the Panthers last week with a neck strain. The former Ohio State Buckeye is now listed as questionable. This seems to be the Chargers luck as of late.
More Injuries
This season so far the Chargers have lost Jeremiah Attaochu, Brandon Mebane, Caraun Reid, Dexter McCluster, Jason Verrett, Manti Te’o, Danny Woodhead, Jahleel Addae, Javontee Herndon, Branden Oliver, Donavon Clark, Jeff Cumberland, Sean Lissemore, and Steve Johnson. That list includes a lot of big name players on their team, including starters at nearly every position from defensive backs, to their linebackers, offensive linemen, and receivers.
Add on all of the injuries plus the potential move from San Diego to Los Angeles and the Chargers have a full blown mess on their hands. Philip Rivers is nearing the end of his career, and might not want to finish out his career with the Chargers if this turmoil continues. The front office already basically ran out Eric Weddle last off-season. The three time Pro Bowler didn’t get along with the front office. They weren’t willing to offer Weddle a contract extension and he felt slighted about it. The San Diego Chargers can only hope for the best after this rough season and maybe play spoiler to a division rival.
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