Chargers Q&A: On morale, Melvin Ingram and rookie kickers

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a Chargers team with real potential who have a fan base with low morale. Here’s a Q&A with Chargers expert Matt Pagels.

If the Los Angeles Chargers employed Dave Toub, they’re likely 2-0 at this point. A blocked field goal and a missed field goal are the only differences between winless and undefeated for the Chargers so far in 2017, which shows just how competitive they are despite their current record. And that’s not the only mirage about the franchise.

Chargers expert Matt Pagels also says the idea that the team has lost everyone due to injury is another misnomer. Yes, they have injuries, but who doesn’t? He says they’re actually healthier this year than they’ve been in some time. Perhaps that’s why they’ve played so well despite the losses in the standings.

We recently asked Matt about the move to L.A., the Joey Bosa-Melvin Ingram tandem and his take on the Chiefs vs. Chargers.

The Chargers are 0-2 but they’ve also lost incredible close games. What is the morale at this point for San Diego?

The Chargers picked up right where they left off a season ago, dealing with back-to-back heartbreak losses, which the team is used to (2-9 in games decided by three points or fewer since beginning of 2015 season, per ESPN). The morale, at least for the fans, is low, especially because the Chargers had a realistic chance to be 2-0 and special teams cost them dearly in the final seconds of both games. And it doesn’t help that the Chargers are part of the toughest division in football where the Chiefs, Raiders and Broncos are all undefeated through the first two weeks. It’s now or never for the Bolts to turn things around.

Injuries have once again taken a significant toll. Is there something in the water? How disheartening is it to see these injuries year after year?

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Surprisingly, the Chargers haven’t dealt with severe injuries like season’s past. Yes, they lost staring ILB Denzel Perryman, which has been a huge loss due to the fact that the linebackers (excluding Jatavis Brown) have proven to be the weakest part of the defense, but he’s expected back this season. Second-round rookie Forrest Lamp’s season-ending injury was a tough one to see, but he never played one down in the NFL, so we won’t know what we have with him until next season. Aside from those two, the Chargers have stayed relatively healthy. Now, if star cornerback Jason Verrett, who is day-to-day with a knee issue, misses a substantial amount of time, I’d start shaking my head.

The early returns on leaving San Diego for L.A. don’t sound good from the outside, but are they overplayed? How are fans of the franchise feeling about things?

It doesn’t look good. And losing isn’t helping anything. The Chargers alienated plenty of fans from San Diego (which has caused animosity between those who stopped following the team and those who continue to root for the Chargers) and are forcing themselves on those (uninterested) in L.A. The result: Anti-Chargers billboards and banners flying over the StubHub Center calling out Dean Spanos. It’s honestly embarrassing. Being a Browns fan seems easier at this point.

Are you glad the team is sticking with Koo despite the issues so far?

I have mixed feelings about the Koo situation. The rookie kicker doesn’t deserve blame for the first game (the line didn’t block Shelby Harris, who blocked Koo’s second attempt after he initially made the first one), but his two misses against the Dolphins killed the Chargers in their home opener. Head coach Anthony Lynn says Koo’s their guy, but I wouldn’t have been opposed to the team bringing in former Chargers Josh Lambo and Nick Novak to compete. Koo’s fairytale story has turned into a nightmare, but hopefully he can come back from this.

The pass rush looks fearsome with Bosa and Ingram. If the Chargers win, will they be the reason?

In my opinion, Melvin Ingram has been the Chargers’ best player so far. He’s looked unstoppable, creating havoc on almost every snap. The knock on him was his inability to finish, but he already has 2.5 sacks. He appears to be worth the money he was given in the offseason. Having Joey Bosa, whose 65 total pressures in his 14 first games is the most since Pro Football Focus began grading in 2006, as Ingram’s full-time partner-in-crime has really made a difference. They did their jobs in giving the Chargers a good chance to win in the team’s last two games, but specials teams, as well as the Chargers’ offense, has to be better in order for the Bolts to win this game.

What worries you the most when thinking of facing the Chiefs?

Justin Houston and that defense has made it tough in the past, and while the Chargers’ offensive line, whose pass-blocking has improved, will be tested early and often on Sunday, I’m more worried about Chiefs rookie running back Kareem Hunt. Hunt can kill you on the ground and in the passing game, and he knows how to find the end zone (five total touchdowns in two games is incredible). Meanwhile, the Chargers’ run defense ranks 26th in the league. I’m nervous just talking about it.

Any final score predictions for the game?

This is a must-win game for the Chargers. They CANNOT afford to fall to 0-3 in the AFC West. That said, the Chiefs are a better team overall. I think the Chiefs win by a touchdown, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Chargers come away with a win, giving us fans hope and ultimately losing next week. It’s what we’re used to.

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