Around the AFC West: Wrapping up the regular season edition
By Ellen Mathis
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers finished the year in disappointing fashion. For the preseason 2019 AFC West champs, the actual season was horribly disappointing. After a strong 2018-19 season and with very few roster changes, many people thought they would challenge the Chiefs for the AFC West title. Hah.
The Chargers certainly put up a fight, jockeying with the Chiefs until the Chargers special teams allowed a 104-yard touchdown return followed quickly by the defense allowing an 84-yard run. Philip “Mr. Interception” Rivers then threw a couple picks that sealed the fate. The Chargers fell to the Chiefs 21-31 and secured a higher draft pick.
After the game, Rivers gave an emotional press conference that made me feel a little bad for calling him Mr. Interception (but not that bad). In what may have been Rivers’ last game as a Charger, he certainly put up a fight. For all the trash talking Rivers has done over the years, hats off to a great quarterback and a great career. He will be one to watch this offseason.
"I ain’t quitting. … I couldn't have tried any harder."
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 29, 2019
Philip Rivers showing his heart.
(via @Chargers)pic.twitter.com/L2n3HB1y4F
The Chargers have questions heading into this next phase. Do they keep Rivers around another year? If not, what is the solution at quarterback? Do they turn to backup Tyrod Taylor or do they look to the draft to find their Patrick Mahomes? Will they figure out how to overcome the injury curse that has lingered through so many years?
The Chargers, much like the Broncos and Raiders, are not anticipating any major coaching changes this offseason, but there are certainly questions that will need to be addressed either through free agency or through the draft at the most important position.