Can Chargers Rebound From Losing Streak?
By Dave Thomas
What is the best remedy for an NFL team that is struggling and in need of a quick fix?
Some may say the Oakland Raiders, but don't just assume that playing the once feared Silver and Black is the solution. In fact, just ask the San Diego Chargers.
Riding a four-game winning streak last month into the Bay Area, the Bolts and their fans probably thought that winless Oakland would put up a fight for a half or so, then go by the wayside. As it turned out, the Raiders (currently 0-8) threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Chargers, who eventually escaped Oakland with a 31-28 victory.
Seven Games Left To Decide Season
With the Chargers (5-4) currently in the midst of a three-game slump, here is a look at the remaining seven games and who is likely to be favored going into each of them:
Nov. 16 - OAKLAND - As was witnessed last month in Northern California, the Raiders do show up to play on most Sundays. Granted, anything can happen when two longtime adversaries get together, but this is basically a must-win game for the Bolts. A loss here would drop the Chargers to 5-5, plus saddle them with another AFC West setback. Oakland is 4-6 in its last 10 meetings with San Diego, so don't expect the Raiders to just sit idly by and let the Bolts roll over them. Winner - San Diego;
Nov. 23 - ST. LOUIS - The Chargers have split their first two contests against the NFC West (lost to Arizona, beat Seattle). The Rams (3-5) sit in last place in their division, but have played several of the better teams in the league tough this season. With starting QB Sam Bradford out with his second major knee injury in just five years, St. Louis was figured to struggle much of the season. Although you can expect the Rams to put up a fight, this is another game Chargers must have. Winner - San Diego;
Nov. 30 - at Baltimore - Who knows which Ravens' team will show up? Baltimore (5-4) at times looks like a Super Bowl contender, while other times they are being pushed around the field. Given the game is in Baltimore, Ravens will likely be favored. A road win here in a hostile environment and potentially challenging weather would certainly be a boost for the Bolts. Winner - San Diego;
Dec. 7 - NEW ENGLAND - In what could be Tom Brady's final visit to San Diego, the Patriots and Chargers on a Sunday night (currently scheduled as NBC's SNF game) could be a playoff preview. While he may not have some of the weapons he did in the past, Brady is getting the most out of his offensive options. While Philip Rivers and Co. would love to knock off New England (7-2) at home, the Pats come into San Diego and get out with a slim victory. Winner - New England;
Dec. 14 - DENVER - In San Diego's final regular season home game, Peyton Manning and the Broncos come calling. The Chargers, who typically play Denver (6-2) about as tough as anyone in the league, dropped a 35-21 decision to the Broncos a few weeks back in the Mile High City. Needing this win to keep playoff hopes alive, the Chargers find a way to send Manning and Co. home with a loss. Winner - San Diego;
Dec. 20 - at San Francisco - Remember those folks who had the 49ers battling Seattle for the NFC West crown yet again this season? It seems they forgot about Arizona, along with the fact that this San Francisco (4-4) team is just not as talented as past Jim Harbaugh teams. Yes, injuries have hurt the Niners, but inconsistency from QB Colin Kaepernick has been huge too. While his numbers (12 TD's, five INT's) don't look awful, Kaepernick has still not established himself in the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks. That said San Francisco gets the job done at home. Winner - San Francisco;
Dec. 28 - at Kansas City - In their final regular season game, the Chargers travel to one of if not the best environments in the NFL, fabled Arrowhead Stadium. More like a college atmosphere than an NFL one, Arrowhead can be very difficult for visiting teams to play in. This game could have major AFC playoff implications for both teams, so expect a dogfight. Even if it doesn't, these two teams quite frankly do not like one another. Winner - San Diego.
Yes, I have the Bolts finishing their final seven games at 5-2, which would leave them with a 10-6 mark, one game better than last season's 9-7 finish (that was good enough to make the playoffs).
As noted, however, it all starts with a win next Sunday against the Raiders.
If the Chargers drop that contest, you can pretty much write off the remainder of the year.
For more Chargers news and updates, visit Chargers Central.
Dave Thomas has been covering the sports world since his first job as a sports editor for a weekly newspaper in Pennsylvania back in 1989. He has covered a Super Bowl, college bowl games, MLB, NBA and more. His work can be found on Examiner.com.