On Sunday, the Chargers lost 27-20 to the Vikings and they still are figuring out their rhythm, said head coach Brandon Staley. “We’re at 5-4, we’re fighting, it seems, every week.”
Staley says their execution needs to improve and the guys are fighting hard to find their rhythm and timing. “I like the way we are utilizing our people. I think we’ve gone into these games with real quality plans.”
Quarterback Justin Herbert, who threw for his 50th touchdown this Sunday, mentioned this is a year one with a new offense so it’s going to be tough for everyone to adjust.
“There’s no continuity from last year and so you have to learn an entirely new offense, bunch of brand new guys, and I feel like we’ve done a good job of coming together.”
Staley believes the key to winning is staying aggressive. He noted the time of possession was lopsided and it fell on the offensive side of the ball.
“We’re at our best when we’re pushing the pace, staying aggressive and staying on schedule,” says Staley.
The Chargers have been dealing with growing pains according to Herbert. “I feel like the guys show up and give their best effort every day, and we’re going to keep getting better, we’re going to keep emphasizing that. So I think we’re right where we need to be.”
The next man up mentality is one of the foundations this Charger team believes in. Defensive lineman Linval Joseph said once everybody gets on the same page, they will be the football team they need to be.
“I just know that when things get rolling, once everything is lined up properly, we’re going to be a hard team to beat. Once we start playing complete games, that’s when people are going to fully respect us,” says Joseph.
Joseph wants his team to figure out ways to hold the ball score more now and take advantage of teams when winning. “We haven’t done it yet. Sooner or later it’s going to happen, and when it happens, watch out.”
The Chargers started the season 4-1 and fell out the rankings these last few games. Next week, they will face the Steelers who are thriving right now.
