Welcome back to the AFC West Report, end of the regular-season edition, and what a wild end it was. Honestly, could the NFL have scripted that any better?
I expected a bunch of lame games that had absolutely nothing to offer and instead, we were gifted with high-stakes wild games that changed the landscape of the playoff picture. From the collapse of the Colts at the hands of the Jaguars (what?) to the crazy afternoon slate of 49ers vs. Rams and the absolute circus of Raiders vs. Chargers, I was a happy camper.
But, let’s take an in-depth look at each team as two head to the playoffs and two rivals head home.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers entered Week 18 with a “win and you’re in” scenario in front of them as they traveled to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders. What no one could imagine heading into the matchup is that the Colts would melt down leaving open the possibility that a tie would result in both the Raiders and Chargers getting into the playoffs, eliminating the Steelers. I mean, we speculated, but it couldn’t be true right??? Wrong. In one of the most exciting and crazy games of the season, the clock ticked down and Herbert heroically took the team on his back converting 4th and 10 after 4th and 10 to finally throw a touchdown when the clock read 0:00.
To overtime, we went and it looked like the Raiders (who were clearly gassed) would be comfortable with a tie. But Brandon Staley inexplicably called a timeout, allowing the Raiders to run into field goal range and kick a game-winning field goal, eliminating the Chargers and placing themselves in 6th place in the AFC.
I get that Staley is supposed to be the young, hot, new head coach but it does not make sense to me – what was he doing??? Staley had two terrible moves in this game: first, going for it on 4th down at their own 18. Who does that? He gifted the Raiders 3 points.
Brandon Staley....what are you doing?#NFL | #LACvsLV pic.twitter.com/tOhXfFK4Uk
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) January 10, 2022
The other questionable decision was the overtime timeout:
Sure seems like max Crosby is telling Austin Eclker that they were playing for the tie before Brandon Staley called a timeout. #SNF pic.twitter.com/hshgG9MJeS
— Brandon Manzella (@Manzellyy) January 10, 2022
Unreal. So, now, the Chargers get to sit on their couches as we head into Super Wild Card Weekend and one of the potential big threats to the Chiefs in the race to the Super Bowl is out. I believe the Chargers were a tough matchup for the Chiefs if they faced each other in the playoffs – the teams know each other well, the Chargers certainly would have a chip on their shoulder, etc. Now, instead of facing the Bills, they are facing their TVs. Staley will be criticized for his moves in this game and he should be.
So looking ahead to the offseason, what do the Chargers need to do? I think the first is to fix their run defense. Part of the reason they were in the position they were at the end of the game is that they couldn’t stop the run and that puts pressure on the rest of the defense. I also could see the Chargers looking at their offensive line as well. Maxx Crosby feasted during the game so Herbert could always use a bit more protection.
Goodnight Chargers. I anticipate we will hear all about how you will win the AFC West next season, but until then, enjoy the extended offseason.